CAN 2015 Qualifiers: Michel Dussuyer Believes in Guinea’s Chances Despite Setback Against Ghana
After suffering a 3-1 defeat to Ghana on Matchday 4 of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Guinea’s hopes of advancing to the tournament took a hit. Now bottom of Group E with 4 points, tied with Uganda, but trailing on goal difference, the Syli National are refusing to throw in the towel. Head coach Michel Dussuyer remains defiant and optimistic.
“We’re going to fight until the end, that’s the message I delivered tonight,” said Dussuyer in an interview with Foot224.
“It’s true that we’re not in the best position, but in any case, we still have our destiny in our hands if we win our two matches [against Togo and Uganda].”
Still in Control — Barely
Despite being in a precarious position, Guinea’s qualification hopes are mathematically alive. The team will first travel to Lomé to face Togo, then host Uganda in a potentially decisive clash. Winning both fixtures would bring Guinea to 10 points, likely enough to earn at least a second-place finish or potentially one of the best third-place spots (depending on the overall group standings).
Dussuyer knows, however, that it won’t be easy.
“I hope we have some luck and don’t have the usual string of injuries. It’s already difficult to play all our away games, and if we’re also dealing with injuries every time, it becomes complicated.”
Group E Standings After Matchday 4:
-
Ghana – 8 pts
-
Togo – 6 pts
-
Uganda – 4 pts (GD better than Guinea)
-
Guinea – 4 pts
Contextual Challenges
Guinea has not played a single true home game during this campaign due to the Ebola crisis, forcing them to hold matches in Morocco, a neutral venue. Combined with an unsettled squad affected by injuries and absences, this has further complicated their qualification journey.
Looking Ahead
With two matches remaining, Guinea’s fate hinges on:
-
Beating Togo away – a tough but crucial challenge.
-
Defeating Uganda in what may become a winner-takes-all battle.
-
Avoiding injuries to key players.
-
Possibly benefiting from a slip-up by Togo or Ghana.
Despite the uphill climb, Dussuyer and his Syli remain resolute. The spirit is clear: Guinea will not go down without a fight.
