With their best finish in the African Cup of Nations coming in 1976, the Syli Nationals of Guinea, making their 13th appearance in the competition, will fancy their chances of going deep in Cote d’ Ivoire.

By Efosa Taiwo

With their best finish in the African Cup of Nations coming in 1976, the Syli Nationals of Guinea, making their 13th appearance in the competition, will fancy their chances of going deep in Cote d’ Ivoire.

Drawn in a tough group along with reigning champions Senegal, former champions Cameroon as well as The Gambia, making it out of this pool will be the first daunting challenge for the Guineans who will be looking to draw on experience to cause an upset.  

Coach

Kaba Diawara, who was named head coach of the team in 2021, will lead Guinea to the TotalEnergies AFCON for the second time next month.

Diawara is an ardent proponent of the 4-3-3 formation and will be hoping his players adapt and grasp the system well against some of the finest players in Cote d’Ivoire.

Star Player 

Unarguably the best player in Guinea, Naby Keita will be leading the Syli Nationals as they aim for an historic outing in Cote d’Ivoire. 

The former Liverpool midfielder who doubles as the captain of the Guinean national team would have his experience and proficiency in the middle of the park proving important for the ambition of Guinea. 

Rising Star

Serhou Guirassy is a notable goal poacher. He has 19 goals in 16 appearances for Vfb Stuttgart in Germany. 

Participating in his first AFCON, Guirassy is full of confidence and will attempt to pose a real threat to Cote d’Ivoire defenders.

His remarkable ability to finish with both feet is one of his most valuable assets against some of the continent’s finest defenders and goalkeepers.

Fixtures

Cameroon vs Guinea – 15 January, 2024

Guinea vs Gambia – 19 January, 2024

Guinea vs Senegal 23 January, 2024

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