FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Samannay Sen
Guinea coach Diawara has opted for fresh blood in a tactical shift for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Three uncapped players based in France have been handed call-ups for next month’s vital matches against Algeria and Mozambique.
The headline additions are 20-year-old midfielder Soumaila Sylla from Stade de Reims, defenders Rayane Doucouré (23) of Red Star, and Nice’s Aliou Badara Baldé (21).
Sylla, despite limited first-team appearances at Reims, has impressed while training with the senior squad. Notably, he previously represented France at the U-18 level. Doucouré, a key player in Red Star’s championship win in the French National League, showcases the team’s strong defensive approach under coach Habib Beye.
His solid performances have earned him a move to Ligue 2 next season. Baldé, with the most senior experience of the three, brings seven Ligue 1 appearances with Nice and a background playing in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. Interestingly, he also represented Senegal at the 2019 U-17 World Cup.
These inclusions come at the expense of seasoned players like Morgan Guilavogui, who has struggled for playing time at Lens, and Captain Naby Keita, whose lack of action at Werder Bremen is cited as primarily a mental concern.
Diawara’s strategy reflects Guinea’s growing emphasis on integrating dual nationals. Players like Serhou Guirassy, Ilaix Moriba, and Aguibou Camara remain in the squad, while Valencia’s Thierry Correia misses out.
This bold approach highlights Diawara’s urgency to secure maximum points in both the away match against Algeria and the home game against Mozambique. Only then can Guinea keep their qualification hopes alive in Group D.
Currently, Guinea sits three points behind leaders Algeria. Their first crucial encounter kicks off on June 6th in Algiers, followed by a home fixture against Mozambique four days later in Conakry.
The pressure is on for Diawara’s revamped squad. The inclusion of exciting young talent alongside established players signals a shift in tactics and a renewed determination to navigate Guinea towards the World Cup finals in North America.
The passionate Syli Nationale fans will be eagerly awaiting their team’s performance as they strive to secure a coveted spot on the global stage.
Goalkeepers: Moussa Camara (Horoya AC), Ibrahim Kone (Hibernians), Soumaila Sylla (Stade Reims)
Defenders: Julian Jeanvier (Kayserispor), Saidou Sow (RC Strasbourg), Yasser Balde (Laval), Rayane Sami Doucoure (Red Star), Ibrahim Diakite (FC Lausane Ouchy), Dembo Sylla (Rodez), Issiaga Sylla (Montpellier HSC), Sekou Oumar Sylla (SC Cambuur)
Midfielders: Abdoulaye Toure (Le Havre AC), Mory Konate (KV Malines), Morlaye Sylla (Arouca FC), Amadou Diawara (RSC Anderlecht), Aguibou Camara (FC Atromitos), Moriba Kourouma (Getafe FC)
Attackers: Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart), Mohamed Bayo (Le Havre), Ousmane Camara (FC Annecy), Aliou Badara Balde (OGC Nice), Facinet Conte (SC Bastia), Ousmane Camara (FC Astana)
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