Ibrahima Traoré and Kevin Constant Return as Guinea Announce Squad for AFCON Qualifier
Guinea have announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe, with head coach Luis Fernandez making headlines by recalling two of the national team’s most influential players — Ibrahima Traoré and Kevin Constant.
Both stars had distanced themselves from international duty following Guinea’s campaign at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, citing internal disagreements with the management. However, after sustained dialogue with the French coach, the pair have agreed to return to the Syli National setup, bolstering hopes ahead of a crucial fixture.
Guinea will face Zimbabwe on 6 September in the second round of Group L qualifying. Fernandez, who has been reshaping the squad since taking over, will be eager to see how the blend of returning veterans and emerging talents fare in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Key Returnees
Ibrahima Traoré, the national team captain and Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder, brings creativity and leadership to the squad.
Kevin Constant, now with Turkish side Trabzonspor, adds composure and experience to the midfield, potentially providing the backbone Fernandez needs for a solid campaign.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Yattara Naby (Free Agent)
Yattara Lamine Mohamed (Standard de Liège)
Defenders:
Keita Abdoul Aziz (AS Kaloum)
Condé Nouhan (Satellite FC)
Pogba Florentin (AS Saint-Étienne)
Camara Fodé (Horoya AC)
Camara Ben Youssouf (Horoya AC)
Sylla Issiaga (Gazélec Ajaccio)
Diara Mohamed (Odense BK)
Midfielders:
Bangoura Ibrahima Sory (Horoya AC)
Diop Oumar (Kénitra AC, Morocco)
Camara Lanfia (Patro Eisden, Belgium)
Constant Kevin (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Fofana Aboubacar (Nacional Funchal, Portugal)
Keita Naby (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria)
Keita Sekou (Evian TG)
Soumah Seydouba (Al Qadesiah, Saudi Arabia)
Forwards:
Traoré Ibrahima (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Bangoura Alkhaly (Étoile du Sahel)
Sylla Idrissa (Anderlecht)
Camara Demba Aboubacar (Gaziantepspor)
Kamano François (SC Bastia)
Bangoura Alhassane (Rayo Vallecano)
With this lineup, Fernandez is aiming to secure a vital away result in Harare as Guinea push for qualification to the 2017 continental showpiece. The return of Traoré and Constant could prove pivotal in reigniting Guinea’s ambition to reclaim their place among Africa’s football elite.
