~ Diawara invites 3 uncapped players from France
~ Diawara utilizes dual citizens
~ Soumaila Sylla, Rayane Doucouré and Aliou Badara Baldé
~ #UgSportsNow
Guinea’s national football team, known as the Syli Nationale, is undergoing an exciting transformation ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Algeria and Mozambique.
Three uncapped France-based players
Head coach Kaba Diawara has made bold moves by introducing three talented uncapped players from France into the squad. These new additions bring a fresh perspective and skill set to the team as they aim to secure a spot in the World Cup finals scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Soumaila Sylla
One of the rising stars in the squad is teenage midfielder Soumaila Sylla, who hails from Stade de Reims. Despite his limited first-team experience, Sylla’s potential has caught the eye of the coaching staff, prompting his call-up to the national team. The 20-year-old has honed his skills playing for Reims’ reserve side in National 3 and has also represented France at the under-18 level, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Rayane Doucouré and Aliou Badara Baldé
Joining Sylla in the squad are defenders Rayane Doucouré from Red Star and Aliou Badara Baldé from Nice, both of whom are set to make their debut for Guinea. Doucouré played a crucial role in Red Star’s success in the National league, impressing with his defensive capabilities in a three-man backline. His performances have earned him a move to Ligue 2 next season, indicating his potential to excel at a higher level of competition.
On the other hand, Baldé brings a wealth of experience to the team, having featured in seven Ligue 1 matches for Nice this season. The 21-year-old winger has previously plied his trade in various European leagues, including stints in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. With a diverse background and exposure to different footballing cultures, Baldé is poised to add depth and versatility to Guinea’s attacking options.
Coach Diawara’s decision to introduce these young talents reflects his proactive approach to building a competitive squad capable of challenging the best teams in Africa and beyond. By harnessing the potential of these uncapped players, the Syli Nationale aims to elevate their performance and secure positive results in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The inclusion of Sylla, Doucouré, and Baldé symbolizes Guinea’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents and strengthening the team for future successes on the international stage.
Their inclusion comes at the cost of Morgan Guilavogui, who has struggled for playing time at Lens, while captain Naby Keita misses out due to mental health issues stemming from his lack of activity at Werder Bremen.
Utilisation of dual citizens
The revision continues Guinea’s policy of tapping into its burgeoning pool of dual nationals, with Serhou Guirassy, Ilaix Moriba, and Aguibou Camara all maintained despite Valencia’s Thierry Correia being left out.
Diawara’s approach is ambitious, as he understands that maximum points from home and away matches against Algeria and Mozambique are necessary to keep the Syli’s dwindling qualification hopes alive in Group G.
Guinea trails leaders Algeria by three points heading into their crucial game in Algiers on June 6, before facing Mozambique four days later in Conakry.
