Guinea Boss Explains Why Ex-Liverpool Star…

Former Liverpool Star Naby Keita Absence Explained. Photo: Gallo Images

Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte has explained the absence of former Liverpool star Naby Keïta from his 25-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, including the clash against Bafana Bafana.

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Duarte unveiled his squad for the matches against South Africa on 26 September and Kenya on 1 October, with Keïta’s absence dominating the headlines.

Duarte Reveals Keïta Declined Invitation

The Portuguese coach clarified that there is no problem with the Ferencváros midfielder, who was pre-selected but ultimately did not make the final list.

“Naby Keïta is an option. And we don’t have any problems with Naby yet. I know he’s available, that’s why he was pre-selected. He’s a professional I respect a lot, but he’s not on this list,” Duarte told Pan-Africa Football.

However, according to Guinee 360, Duarte also revealed that he had invited Keïta, but the former captain declined for personal reasons.

“I invited Naby Keïta, but he declined the invitation for personal reasons,” the Portuguese coach stated.

Keïta remains one of the most capped Guinean internationals of his generation with more than 50 caps, and his absence is a significant blow for the Syli National.

Guinea Face Bafana Without Keïta

Guinea will begin their campaign away against South Africa on 26 September, before returning to Conakry to host Kenya on 1 October at the Stade du 28-Septembre.

Despite Keïta’s absence, Ilaix Moriba and Aguibou Camara are among the notable names returning to the squad.

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Duarte emphasised the importance of having committed players, saying: “The important thing is that they have this willingness to die for the flag, and I have to go to war with these players.”

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