Guinea Star Ruled Out Of Bafana AFCON Encou…

Guinea And Valencia Star Mouctar Diakhaby. Photo: Gallo Images

Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby has been ruled out of Guinea’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Kenya after suffering a muscle injury.

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The central defender had only recently returned to action after being sidelined for much of last season with a serious injury, but suffered another setback during Valencia’s league match against Barcelona.

His club confirmed that the Guinean international has a muscle injury without specifying its exact nature, and indicated he will miss the coming weeks of competition, according to Sports News Africa.

Diakhaby Injury Blow for Guinea

Diakhaby’s latest spell on the sidelines means he will miss Guinea’s international break in September, with the Syli National scheduled to face Bafana Bafana and Kenya in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 29-year-old’s absence is a significant blow for Guinea, who will be without one of their most experienced defenders for what could be a decisive set of fixtures in Group A.

Bafana Benefit From Diakhaby Absence

The news will come as a boost for Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana side, who will face a weakened Guinea defence when the two sides meet.

South Africa will be looking to start their AFCON campaign strongly under their new head coach, with Mosimane having been appointed to replace Hugo Broos after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Guinea’s match against Bafana is scheduled for 25 September, with Kenya also in Group A.

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