Guinea coach Paulo Duarte raises concerns over Mohamed Bayo silence

Guinea coach Paulo Duarte has revealed concerns over the situation surrounding Mohamed Bayo after leaving the striker out of his squad for the June international window alongside Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy.

The Syli National are due to face Northern Ireland national football team in a friendly match during the international break, but the latest squad announcement has triggered frustration among many Guinean supporters.

Several regular players are absent from the selection, although the omission of Bayo and Guirassy has generated the strongest reaction among fans.

Speaking about Bayo’s absence, Duarte admitted communication between the national team and the striker had broken down.

” Mohamed Bayo no longer answers calls or messages. He used to answer, but that’s no longer the case ,” Duarte told CIS Media.

The comments have increased uncertainty around the future of the 27-year-old within the national setup. Bayo enjoyed a productive campaign in Turkey with Gaziantep FK, scoring 15 goals during the season.

The forward had regularly served as an alternative to Guirassy in attack and was also viewed as a player capable of operating in a two-striker system.

However, he has not featured for Guinea since October 2024 following the country’s failure to qualify for both the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Guirassy’s absence has also surprised supporters, especially after the striker recently received a hero’s welcome in Conakry following his UEFA Champions League Golden Boot success with Borussia Dortmund. No official explanation has yet been provided for his omission from the squad.

Elsewhere, defender Mouctar Diakhaby misses out through injury, while the absence of Ilaix Moriba has also raised questions after his strong season with Celta Vigo.

Lancinet Kourouma has nevertheless been included despite suffering relegation with Girona FC, while Aliou Baldé, Seydouba Cissé and Sory Kaba retain their places in the squad. Veteran defender Issiaga Sylla is another notable absentee.

For many supporters, the growing uncertainty surrounding the national team comes at a difficult moment as Guinea prepare for the start of their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in September.