Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte has named his squad to face Bafana Bafana and Kenya in the opening round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, with in-form Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy headlining the selection.
Guirassy, who has scored four goals and provided two assists in five games so far this season, leads a forward line that also includes Aguibou Camara, Mohamed Bangoura and Abdoul Traoré.
Guinea open their campaign away to South Africa on 26 September, before hosting Kenya at home in Conakry shortly after.
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The two sides sit alongside Eritrea in Group D, with Kenya already guaranteed a place at the tournament as co-hosts, meaning South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea are effectively competing for the group’s one remaining qualifying spot.
Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba returns to the squad after several months on the sidelines, joining a midfield group that includes Madiou Keita, Lass Kourouna, Seydouba Cissé and Sory Bangoura.
Reims goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, Mory Keita and Mohamed Camara make up the goalkeeping options, while the defence is built around Sékou Sylla, Mohamed Soumah, Ibrahim Breze Fofana, Mory Konaté, Saïdou Sow, Aboubacar Keita and Diackité.
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Former captain Naby Keita is among the notable absentees, along with strikers Morgan Guilavogui and Mohamed Bayo.
Duarte, who has been in charge of the Syli National since 2025, has previously voiced frustration with the qualifying format, arguing that Kenya’s presence in the group as a co-host has effectively reduced the number of qualifying places on offer to Guinea, South Africa and Eritrea.
He has also acknowledged the threat Bafana Bafana pose under new head coach Pitso Mosimane, saying Guinea expect a well-organised opponent capable of springing “different decisions.”
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Guinea Squad
Goalkeepers: Soumaila Sylla, Mory Keita, Mohamed Camara (Richard)
Defenders: Sékou Sylla, Mohamed Soumah, Ibrahim Breze Fofana, Mory Konaté, Saïdou Sow, Aboubacar Keita, Diackité
Midfielders: Madiou Keita, Lass Kourouna, Seydouba Cissé, Ilaix Moriba, Ousmane Diabaté, Sory Bangoura
Forwards: Morlaye Sylla, Aguibou Camara, Diaby Yadaly, Aliou Baldé, Mohamed Bangoura, Ousmane Camara, Serhou Guirassy, Abdoul Traoré, Lamine Diaby-Fadiga
Photo: Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
