The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has received 62 applications for the vacant Syli National head coach position and has narrowed the list down to 18 candidates following the initial phase of evaluation.
This recruitment process follows the dismissal of former coach Michel Dussuyer, who was relieved of his duties due to unsatisfactory performance.
With the national team failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—pending any favourable ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport—and struggling in the early stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the FGF is under pressure to appoint a figure capable of leading a revival.
The FGF’s dedicated committee began its screening process on Tuesday and selected the 18 shortlisted candidates based on stringent criteria.
To be considered, applicants were required to hold a CAF A or Pro License—or an equivalent qualification recognised by another football confederation—alongside demonstrable coaching experience in African football, realistic salary expectations, and a verified Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE).
The committee is expected to continue its deliberations on Wednesday as it further refines the pool of potential candidates. The selection process will eventually culminate in interviews and final assessments to identify the most suitable figure to take charge of the Syli National.
Although no official names have been released by the FGF at this stage, several candidates from the 18-man shortlist have already surfaced in the Guinean media. Among them are notable names with strong credentials and extensive experience across African football.
Amir Abdou, best known for guiding both Comoros and Mauritania to their historic Round of 16 appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been mentioned as a frontrunner.
Also reported to be on the list is Hubert Velud, who has previously managed Burkina Faso and Togo, and most recently coached Moroccan club AS FAR Rabat.
Paulo Duarte, another former Burkina Faso and Togo coach, is also believed to be under consideration. The Portuguese tactician has been without a club since his tenure in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Raoul Savoy, who has worked with the Central African Republic and Gambia, is another familiar name reportedly in contention.
The chosen coach will face the critical task of reviving a talented yet inconsistent Guinean side that has struggled to find its rhythm in recent years.
Stability, tactical clarity, and results will be key expectations for the next man at the helm, as the nation looks to restore faith among its supporters.
The FGF is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks, once the evaluation of shortlisted candidates has been finalised. The appointment will be seen as a pivotal step toward restoring Guinea’s competitive edge on the continental and global stage.
