The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has appointed Paulo Jorge Rebelo Duarte as head coach of the Guinea senior national football team, with a mandate running until 2027.
The Portuguese tactician was officially presented on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, at Camayenne Plage in Conakry, in a ceremony attended by key figures in Guinean sport.
Among those present were Minister of Sports Kéamou Bogola Haba, FGF President Sory Doumbouya, and several members of the federation’s Executive Committee, who collectively welcomed Duarte to his new role.
FGF Secretary General Ibrahima Blasco Barry outlined the recruitment process, revealing that Duarte was selected from candidates who applied following the federation’s call for applications issued on 13 June 2025.
He explained that the 55-year-old’s commitment, experience, and vision stood out, aligning closely with the federation’s long-term football strategy.
Duarte’s contract comes with clear performance targets.
The FGF has tasked him with guiding Guinea to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, securing at least a semi-final place at the tournament, and elevating the Syli National into the top 10 of the African rankings.
Speaking at his unveiling, Duarte expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and pledged his full commitment to the job.
I am honoured and happy to lead the Syli, he said. Meeting these challenges will require discipline, hard work, and a collective effort from players, staff, and the federation. I believe together we can achieve great things for Guinea.
The Minister of Sports echoed the optimism, describing Duarte’s appointment as a significant step in Guinea’s football ambitions.
He assured the government’s backing, highlighting the broader objective of strengthening the country’s presence on the African football stage.
Duarte, who boasts extensive coaching experience across Africa and the Middle East, will now set about assembling his technical team and preparing for the upcoming fixtures that will define the early stages of his tenure.
With the FGF placing its trust in his leadership, the focus will be on building a competitive squad capable of delivering on the ambitious goals laid out for the next two years.
The challenge ahead is considerable, but with a blend of governmental support, federation backing, and Duarte’s proven pedigree, Guinea’s footballing aspirations have been given renewed momentum.
