The Guinean Football Federation has appointed Frenchman Michel Dussuyer as the new head coach of the national football team. This marks Dussuyer’s third tenure in charge of the Syli National, bringing with him a wealth of experience in African football management.
Dussuyer previously coached Guinea from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2015.
His return to the helm comes as the team looks to rebuild after a series of setbacks in their recent campaigns, including the firing of former coach Kaba Diawara following a disappointing World Cup qualifying loss to Mozambique in June.
The 65-year-old Dussuyer has had a long and successful coaching career across Africa, making him a familiar face on the continent
In addition to his two previous stints with Guinea, he has also managed the national teams of Benin and Ivory Coast.
His experience includes leading Guinea to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals in both 2004 and 2015, showcasing his ability to guide teams deep into major tournaments.
The Frenchman’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Guinea, as they face a challenging 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.
They began the qualification process with two losses—falling to Tanzania at home and the Democratic Republic of Congo away—under interim coach Charles Paquille.
These early defeats have left the national side in a precarious position, increasing the urgency for Dussuyer to stabilize the squad and improve their chances of reaching the next Cup of Nations.
Dussuyer inherits a team in transition, and his immediate task will be to prepare for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Ethiopia on October 11 and 14.
Both fixtures will be played in Ivory Coast due to stadium certification issues in both Ethiopia and Guinea, adding a layer of complexity to what is already a high-pressure situation.
With his vast experience and deep familiarity with the Guinean squad, Dussuyer is seen as a safe pair of hands to steer the team through this turbulent period.
His record of success in Africa’s premier football competition makes him a respected figure, and he will undoubtedly be expected to bring his expertise to bear in helping Guinea turn around their qualification campaign.
Dussuyer’s appointment as Guinea’s head coach marks the third leadership change for the national team this year, underlining the federation’s determination to find the right formula for success.
Following Diawara’s departure and Paquille’s short-term interim role, the Guinean Football Federation is banking on Dussuyer’s experience and tactical acumen to reinvigorate the squad.
The Frenchman’s return has been met with optimism, as he is well-versed in the challenges of coaching African teams in high-stakes competitions.
His past achievements with Guinea, including two AFCON quarterfinal appearances, provide hope that he can once again lead the Syli National to success on the continental stage.
As Dussuyer takes the reins, Guinea’s fans will be eager to see whether the team can rebound from their recent struggles and make a strong push towards qualification for AFCON 2025.
The upcoming matches against Ethiopia will offer the first test of his ability to reignite Guinea’s fortunes and guide them towards the prestigious tournament.
