Luis Fernandez Hands Guinea Captaincy to Florentin Pogba in AFCON 2017 Qualifier Loss to Swaziland
For Guinea’s opening match in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, head coach Luis Fernandez made a bold decision by handing the captain’s armband to Florentin Pogba, the Saint-Étienne defender. Despite the Syli National’s 1-2 defeat to Swaziland, Fernandez defended his choice, stating it was a move to instill responsibility and leadership in the young defender.
Speaking to Le Monde, Fernandez explained:
“Florentin represents the future, he has a good attitude. During the training camp, he was impeccable.”
Pogba, the elder brother of French international Paul Pogba, was seen as a key figure in a new generation of Guinean players. Fernandez’s decision reflects a long-term vision focused on youth, despite the disappointing start to the qualification campaign.
