Guinea national team go welcome Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby back into squad for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Eritrea, but preparation for the two matches no dey smooth.
The 29-year-old defender return after a difficult injury period. In March 2024, e suffer serious right knee dislocation during a match against Real Madrid. The injury keep am out for several months. Even when e gradually return to competitive action, a fresh muscle injury to im left adductor last September stop im progress again. Now e don recover and back with im Spanish club, and e go give Paulo Duarte another option for defence.
Diakhaby Spanish league experience and strength for duels fit help Guinea defence. The Syli National hope say im return go bring greater defensive stability.
For the double-header, one preview note tok say Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte go fit call on key players like Serhou Guirassy, Ilaix Moriba, Amadou Diawara and Saïdou Sow. But another report before the first leg tok say Guinea camp no dey ideal, with Borussia Dortmund striker Guirassy and Celta Vigo midfielder Moriba out. E add say several other players withdraw and replacements dem call quickly.
The report also tok say preparation dey chaotic because Guinean Football Federation dey between administrations. Training camp start Sunday, but by Tuesday Duarte only get eight of im call-ups for camp. Airline ticket issues also affect the camp, and Guinéefoot editor Saidou Diallo tok say the problem don repeat too many times and leave Syli National with disadvantage. Editorial title Syli loses its matches before it even plays them capture frustration wey dey build among supporters.
Guinea begin qualifying campaign with 1-2 defeat to South Africa, before bounce back with 1-0 home win over Kenya, courtesy Guirassy first half goal. After two matchdays, dem get three points for Group D.
Eritrea na weakest opponent for Group D on paper, but supporters still need convincing because team no get plenty star power and injuries dey attack. Duarte go depend on Swiss-based winger Aliou Baldé to inspire attack, while team go lean on strong defence wey Diakhaby return suppose boost. Guinea hope say defence go hold and attack produce enough to beat Eritrea.
The two fixtures important for Syli National as dem chase qualification and hope Diakhaby return help restore defensive stability. First leg against Eritrea scheduled for 12 November for Conakry, while return match go hold 16 November for Cairo, Egypt.
