Guinea’s preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations have gotten off to a rocky start, with the Syli National suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Gambia in a friendly match held on Friday in Marrakech, Morocco. The result raises concerns for coach Paul Put as his team works to finalize its lineup and fine-tune its tactics ahead of the tournament in Egypt.
The match was decided just before halftime, when Gambia’s Sohna capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the only goal of the game. Despite Guinea’s efforts in the second half, the team struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and was unable to break down a disciplined Gambian defense. The loss highlighted some of the challenges Guinea faces in assembling a cohesive squad, particularly with key players absent or returning from injury.
The most notable absence was star midfielder Naby Keita, who has been a major concern for the team. Despite recovering from an adductor injury, the Liverpool player has yet to join the national team in Morocco. His delayed arrival has frustrated coach Paul Put, who has been in constant communication with Keita and his club to try to ensure his participation. Put emphasized the difficulty of coordinating with the player’s representatives and the club, which wanted to continue treatment until June 11, meaning Keita might not be available until the 12th—just days before Guinea submits its official squad list to CAF.
Keita’s absence left a noticeable gap in Guinea’s midfield, as the team lacked the creativity and control he usually provides. The friendly against Gambia, though not part of the AFCON qualifying process, served as a critical opportunity for players to adjust to Put’s tactical approach and develop cohesion. The defeat, however, has exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in linking defense to attack and maintaining possession under pressure.
Despite the setback, Guinea has a chance to regroup quickly. The team is scheduled to play additional friendlies ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from June 21 to July 19, 2019, in Egypt. These matches will be crucial for evaluating players’ fitness and determining the final squad. Captain Ibrahima Traoré and other senior players are expected to help guide the team through this period, instilling confidence and encouraging younger players to step up.
Coach Paul Put remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that a single friendly loss should not overshadow the team’s preparation efforts. He highlighted the importance of team unity and focus as Guinea aims to compete against some of Africa’s toughest sides in the tournament. The friendly defeat, while disappointing, offers lessons for the squad to address defensive organization, attacking efficiency, and match intensity in the coming days.
As Guinea looks ahead, the return of Naby Keita will be pivotal. His presence could provide the creativity and control needed to complement the team’s experienced players and enhance their competitiveness at the Africa Cup of Nations. For now, the loss to Gambia serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the work that still lies ahead for the Syli National before their campaign begins.
