Guinea coach opens up on multiple player withdrawals ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte has opened up on the withdrawal of several players ahead of the Syli National’s upcoming double-header against Eritrea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Portuguese tactician addressed concerns surrounding the availability of dual-nationality players, revealing that some footballers contacted by the technical team had declined invitations to represent Guinea.

Duarte specifically mentioned AC Milan youngster Alphadjo Cissé and Hoffenheim midfielder Bambase Conté, explaining that both players had made their international preferences clear despite being eligible to feature for the West African nation.

According to the Guinea coach, Cissé has expressed his desire to represent Italy, while Conté has also turned down the opportunity to play for the Syli National. He further disclosed that Ilaix Moriba’s absence was injury-related.

“I’ll answer this for the tenth time. I have contacted players, but they have refused. Alphadjo Cissé (AC Milan) let me know that he only wants to play for Italy; the same goes for Bambase Conté (Hoffenheim) and many other players. Ilaix Moriba told us he was injured,” Duarte explained.

The former Burkina Faso and Togo coach appeared frustrated by repeated questions about players of Guinean descent who have opted against representing the country, insisting that efforts have been made to convince several eligible footballers.

His comments come as Guinea prepare for two important encounters against Eritrea in the third and fourth matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Syli National are scheduled to host Eritrea in Conakry on November 12 before facing the same opponents again on November 17.

Duarte will be hoping his available players can deliver the desired results and keep Guinea on course for qualification despite the setbacks in assembling his preferred squad.