Guinea coach Duarte prioritises wins over performances after Bafana Bafana defeat

Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte says winning matches is more important than playing attractive football, insisting he would rather see his team perform poorly and secure victory than lose despite producing a good display.

Duarte made the remarks while reflecting on Guinea’s 2-1 defeat by South Africa in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in September.

The Syli National were beaten by Bafana Bafana at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, despite what Duarte believes was a respectable performance, particularly in the second half.

However, the Portuguese tactician insists that performances count for little without positive results, stressing that efficiency in front of goal and victories remain his biggest priorities.

Speaking to Guinee360 after announcing his 26-man squad for the upcoming double-header against Eritrea, Duarte used the defeat in South Africa to explain his football philosophy.

“I prefer victory. Because I would rather play badly and win every match than play well and lose every match, as we did in South Africa,” he said.

“We had a great second half. Normally, we should not have gone there and come away without any points. A psychological victory does not interest me.

“What interests me is efficiency, goals and victory. The second match against Kenya was a game we controlled, but the opponent, apart from the final 12 minutes, that is not normal.”

Guinea will return to action next week when they take on Eritrea in back-to-back Group D fixtures as they seek to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the tournament.

Duarte’s side currently occupy second place in the group, three points behind leaders South Africa.

With Kenya already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, only one additional team from Group D will qualify for the tournament.

The pressure is therefore on Guinea to collect maximum points from their remaining matches if they are to secure a place at the continental showpiece.