Guinea coach Paulo Duarte takes aim at Ilaix Moriba in No.10 shirt dispute

Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte has reportedly clashed with midfielder Ilaix Moriba over the national team’s coveted No.10 shirt, exposing tensions within the Syli National camp ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The disagreement is believed to centre on Moriba’s reported desire to wear the iconic jersey, which is currently assigned to Aliou Badara Baldé.

According to Guinean publication ActuSportGuinee, the Celta Vigo midfielder had made several requests to take over the shirt, prompting a strong response from Duarte during his press conference ahead of Guinea’s match against Eritrea on Wednesday, 11 November.

Although the Portuguese coach did not mention Moriba by name, reports in Guinea identified the midfielder as the player at the centre of his comments.

Duarte defended Baldé’s right to retain the number, highlighting his commitment to the national team over the past two years.

“Why do you want the number 10? Aliou Badara Baldé has worn it for two years. He has suffered with this team for two years. Whether the team wins or loses, he always comes,” Duarte said, as quoted by Guineefoot.

The former Ghana coach also played down the significance of the famous shirt, insisting that performances and commitment to the national team should take priority over squad numbers.

“Nobody wants the number 10 today. That was in the days of Maradona and Zico.

“The player has to be better on the pitch to defend his country. That’s what matters. But you have a very big ego and, for you, only you matter. With me, it doesn’t work like that,” he added.

Duarte’s remarks have further fuelled speculation about his relationship with Moriba, who has been ruled out of Guinea’s November international fixtures against Eritrea.

The Guinean Football Federation announced on 10 November that the midfielder would miss the double-header, with Mohamed Chérif Haïdara called up as his replacement.

However, the federation did not provide an explanation for Moriba’s withdrawal, leaving uncertainty over the circumstances surrounding his absence.

Neither Duarte nor Moriba has publicly confirmed that the reported disagreement over the No.10 shirt was responsible for the midfielder’s omission.

Guinea, who are among South Africa’s rivals in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, will hope to avoid off-field distractions as they continue their campaign.