Guinea coach Paulo Duarte has admitted there are growing concerns surrounding Mohamed Bayo after leaving the striker out of the Syli National squad for the June international window alongside Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy.
Guinea are preparing for an international friendly against the Northern Ireland national team during the upcoming FIFA break, but the squad announcement has sparked frustration and confusion among supporters following the absence of several key players.
Among the biggest talking points is the omission of Bayo, with Duarte revealing that communication between the national team and the forward has completely broken down in recent months.
“Mohamed Bayo no longer answers calls or messages. He used to answer, but that’s no longer the case,” Duarte told CIS Media.
The coach’s comments have immediately intensified speculation over the striker’s future with the national team, particularly at a time when Guinea are trying to rebuild after major disappointments on the international stage.
Bayo enjoyed an impressive individual campaign in Turkey with Gaziantep FK, scoring 15 goals and establishing himself as one of the club’s key attacking players during the season.
The 27-year-old had previously played an important role for Guinea, often serving as an alternative to Guirassy in attack while also offering tactical flexibility in systems using two strikers.
However, Bayo has not represented Guinea since October 2024 following the country’s failure to qualify for both the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
The absence of Guirassy has also surprised many supporters. The Borussia Dortmund striker recently returned to Guinea to a hero’s welcome after finishing as UEFA Champions League top scorer, making his omission even more unexpected.
No official reason has yet been given for Guirassy’s absence from the squad.
Elsewhere, defender Mouctar Diakhaby misses the international window because of injury, while the omission of Ilaix Moriba has also generated debate after the midfielder enjoyed a strong season with Spanish side Celta Vigo.
Despite Girona FC suffering relegation, Lancinet Kourouma has retained his place in the squad, while Aliou Baldé, Seydouba Cissé and Sory Kaba have also been selected by Duarte.
Veteran defender Issiaga Sylla is another notable absentee from the latest squad list.
The growing uncertainty surrounding several senior players comes at a difficult period for Guinea as preparations continue for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this year.
With supporters already disappointed after missing out on qualification for both the World Cup and AFCON, the latest squad issues have only added to concerns over the direction of the national team under Duarte.
For now, attention remains focused on whether Duarte and the Guinean football federation can resolve the situation with Bayo and restore stability ahead of the country’s upcoming competitive fixtures.
