Guinea’s Paulo Duarte reveals Alphadjo Cisse chose Italy over Syli National

Guinea manager Paulo Duarte says several dual-national players have turned down approaches from the Syli National, including AC Milan’s highly rated 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse.

The Portuguese coach made the admission as Guinea face a crucial stage in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign, with their hopes threatened by both a shortage of available players and the decisions of promising youngsters based in Europe.

“I’ll answer this for the tenth time. I have contacted players, but they refused. Alphadjo Cisse told me he only wanted Italy. It is the same with Bambase Conte and many other players. Ilaix Moriba told us he was injured,” Duarte said at a news conference.

Cisse, one of the early-season standouts in Serie A, was born in Treviso to Guinean parents. The attacking midfielder has scored five goals in nine Serie A appearances for AC Milan, performances which have attracted the attention of Italy.

He was called up by Roberto Mancini for the international break and could make his debut for Italy against France this evening.

Bambase Conte, an attacking midfielder at Hoffenheim, has also been approached by the Guinea Football Federation but appears to have made a similar decision regarding his international future.

Moriba’s absence has been explained to Duarte as the result of an injury. The midfielder, who has 26 international caps, has nevertheless faced suspicion among some Guinea supporters that the injury explanation is diplomatic.

The latest revelations come at a difficult moment for Guinea, who must collect maximum points from their two matches against Eritrea to remain in contention for qualification.

Kenya have already secured their place at the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 as the host nation. That leaves Guinea, South Africa and Eritrea competing for the only remaining qualification place in the group.

Duarte’s squad has also been weakened by a series of injuries and withdrawals. Serhou Guirassy will miss the matches after suffering a thigh injury which is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

FC Nantes defender Saidou Sow and goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla have also withdrawn from the squad. Amadou Diawara and Mouctar Diakhaby, however, have returned.

With no room for further setbacks, Guinea need to beat Eritrea in both matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.