Both teams will head into the matchday two seeking first wins in the qualifying campaign. Kenya drew 1-1 against Eritrea at home while Guinea lost 2-1 away against South Africa in matchday one.
Kenya have already qualified automatically as co-hosts, and only the highest-placed side among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will join Kenya at PAMOJA 2027 AFCON in East Africa.
Speaking ahead of the Guinea game, the South African legend cautioned his players to limit mistakes, and try as much as possible to stop the threats from the wings because the West Africans have quality players in the area.
AFCON qualification
The qualification competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations takes place from September 2026 to March 2027. The 48 teams have been drawn into 12 groups, with the top two in each advancing to the 24-team finals. Hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda qualify automatically, but are still playing in the qualifiers; only one other team will advance from their groups.
AFCON qualifying fixtures | AFCON qualifying standings | African football news
Kenya must be very organised
“I always try to teach my players when you play the likes of Guinea, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and all the good world class West African teams, if you are not 100% prepared, and 100% focused on the game, one small mistake they punish you,” said McCarthy.
“They have really quality players that can win you by one mistake, so, for us tomorrow (Thursday), the plan is to try and have the most perfect match, where we don’t make mistakes.
“If they are to beat us, they must be on their best game because beating us is not going to be easy.
"We just have to be very organised, and make no mistakes and then we will have a chance because if you make mistakes against teams like Guinea, they will punish you.”
McCarthy added: “We are aware of the quality players that Guinea have, I think Guinea is a team that doesn't exist on only one really good player, and everybody knows the qualities that they have.
“There are many other players in the team that have good quality, so for us to just focus on one player will be the biggest mistake that we will make at this stage.
“We prepare for the team in general, and we are just trying to be as simple as possible to eliminate the threats because we know, the wingers, the wide players that they have are quick and skillful.
“I think we will try to limit the possibilities of attacking options to the dangerous areas.
“If we manage to restrict them, it will give us an opportunity to play our game, and just limit the mistakes that we have, and I think we will be okay.”
South Africa, who hammered Eritrea 5-0 in their matchday two on Wednesday, lead the group with three points, ahead of Kenya and Eritrea on one each, while Guinea have no points.
Uganda in South Africa for friendlies
The Uganda Cranes have safely arrived in South Africa ahead of their upcoming international friendly matches against D.R Congo on October 2nd and 5th.
Captain Denis Onyango, Rogers Mato, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Nathan Asiimwe and Noble Okello missed the trip following a decision by the technical team.
Meanwhile, Toto Majub Brian and Sadam Masereka, who missed the recent games against Tunisia and Libya despite being called up, have been added to the squad.
The contingent, led by FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronald Barente as Leader of Delegation, is accommodated at Hotel Sky, Sandton, as preparations continue for the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers.
The November FIFA international window will see back-to-back AFCON Qualifier matches against Botswana.
The Cranes will face Botswana on the 11th of November before travelling to face Botswana again on the 15th of November, according to the published qualifying schedule.
Uganda squad
Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo, David Lukwago, Kingdom Osayi, Akpan Udoh.
Defenders: Rogers Torach, Kenneth Semakula, Diaby Souleymane, Toby Sibbick, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, Geofrey Lubanga Kene, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Jonathan Odongo.
Midfielders: Baba Alhassan, Joseph Seremba, Gaucho Debohi Dieudonne, Sadam Masereka, Allan Okello, Allan Oyirwoth, Travis Mutyaba, Abdoulaye Sissako.
Forwards: Steven Mukwala, Kelvin Boateng, Denis Omedi, James Bogere, Toto Majub Brian, Richard Basangwa, Frank Ssebufu, Arnold Vula.
