Guinean defender Julien Jeanvier will miss the Syli National’s final two matches in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers due to injury. The player, who had been named in Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer’s latest squad, was removed just hours after the roster was announced, following confirmation from the Guinean Football Federation.
Jeanvier, who currently plays for Turkish club Kayserispor, sustained a left foot injury, ruling him out for an estimated period of four to six weeks.
The Guinean Football Federation released a statement on Tuesday, November 5, confirming his unavailability: “Defender Julien Jeanvier of Kayserispor has withdrawn due to a left foot injury, with his absence projected to last between 4 and 6 weeks.”
This development is a setback for both Jeanvier and the Guinean national team as they prepare for crucial matches to secure their qualification in the upcoming tournament, set to be hosted by Morocco.
However, coach Michel Dussuyer quickly addressed the gap left by Jeanvier’s departure, promptly naming Mohamed Soumah as his replacement.
Soumah, a promising talent from Belgium’s KAA Gent, has now been called up to join the squad in Jeanvier’s place.
The inclusion of Soumah marks a strategic adjustment for Guinea as they head into the final two matches of their qualification campaign.
The Syli National is slated to play the DR Congo on November 16 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the fifth round of qualifiers.
This match will be critical for Guinea’s campaign, as they strive to consolidate their position and progress to the tournament.
Following this encounter, Guinea will travel to Tanzania to face the Taifa Stars in Dar es Salaam on November 21 for their sixth and final qualifier.
Jeanvier’s absence may shift Dussuyer’s defensive plans, as the Kayserispor defender has been an important fixture in the backline.
Known for his experience and physical presence, his injury comes as a blow for a team relying on stability and resilience in defense as they approach these decisive games.
Soumah, however, brings his own strengths and has previously demonstrated solid defensive skills in Belgium’s top tier with KAA Gent.
His addition will provide Guinea with a fresh option in their backline and could offer the team a new dynamic as they seek to strengthen their qualification bid.
As the Guinean squad readies itself for the remaining fixtures, Dussuyer’s team faces the challenge of adapting to this late change.
The importance of these matches has not been lost on the players or the coaching staff, and Guinea will be looking to secure crucial points to ensure they qualify for the prestigious tournament in Morocco.
Guinea’s progress in the AFCON qualifiers has been under scrutiny as they strive to reach Morocco 2025, where they aim to contend with Africa’s best.
For now, the focus will be on ensuring Soumah integrates seamlessly into the squad, filling the void left by Jeanvier’s injury.
