Paulo Duarte names revamped Guinea squad for November friendlies as Guirassy sits out

Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte has announced a 25-man squad for the November international window, leaving out star forward Sehrou Guirassy while introducing four new players ahead of friendlies against Togo and Niger in Morocco.

The Syli National will face Togo on 15 November and Niger three days later in Casablanca as part of their preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.

Duarte’s list notably excludes Borussia Dortmund striker Sehrou Guirassy, who has been granted rest alongside several other senior players.

Guirassy, who has earned 26 caps and scored 10 goals for his country, is not the only high-profile absentee.

Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby, Asteras Aktor full-back Issiaga Sylla, Le Havre midfielder Abdoulaye Touré, Damac playmaker Morlaye Sylla, and Leganés midfielder Seydouba Cissé have all been rested as well.

Meanwhile, Mechelen’s Mory Konaté misses out due to a facial injury.

Despite the absences, Duarte has turned to a mix of returning players and emerging talents to fill the void.

Veteran defender Antoine Conté of Igdir FK earns a recall, while Red Star’s Dembo Sylla and ADO Den Haag’s Sekou Sylla also make the squad.

Ousmane Camara (Flamme Olympique), Jocelyn Janneh (Bastia), and Abdoul Karim Traoré (Leuven), who were all called up last month, retain their places.

There are also four debutants in the latest squad, including one dual national.

Among them are U23 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medalists Naby Camara (Simba SC) and Sekou Tidiany Bangoura (Kiryat Shmona), both aged 23, who receive their first senior invitations.

They are joined by 20-year-old Aboubacar Bah of Al-Hazem and Mohamed Touré of Randers FC — the latter having represented Australia six times at senior level before committing his international future to Guinea.

In addition, defender Sahmkou Camara (Karvina) and centre-back Mohamed Ali Camara (Maccabi Tel Aviv) are retained after their call-ups in October, while Hammarby midfielder Ibrahima Fofana — previously pre-selected but not in the final list — also makes the cut this time.

Duarte’s selection signals a clear attempt to rejuvenate the national side ahead of the busy 2025 calendar, balancing youth and experience.

Notably, the squad also sees the return of young goalkeeper Mory Keïta (20, Hafia) and winger Ahmad Mendes Moreira (Kalamata).

The upcoming fixtures against Togo and Niger will provide valuable opportunities for Guinea’s emerging generation to stake their claim ahead of major continental competitions, as the Syli National aim to build depth and continuity under Duarte’s guidance.