Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte has recalled Amadou Diawara and Mouctar Diakhaby for the country’s two upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Eritrea.
Duarte announced a 25-player squad on Monday for the double-header against the world’s 183rd-ranked side, with the matches scheduled for 12 and 16 November. They will be Guinea’s third and fourth games in the qualifying campaign.
Diawara returns to the squad alongside Diakhaby, who has been selected by the Portuguese coach for the first time. The former Lyon defender had been absent from the national team since September 2025, when he last played under former manager Michel Dussuyer in a 0-0 draw against Algeria.
There are also recalls for Yakhouba Gnagna Barry and Thierno Barry. Yakhouba Gnagna Barry returns after a four-year absence, while Thierno Barry is back with the Syli National for the first time in five months.
Naby Keita, Mohamed Bayo and Morgan Guilavogui remain out of the squad. Ibrahim Diakite, who had been included in the previous selection, has been left out this time.
The right-back came off the bench to play 27 minutes in Guinea’s 2-1 defeat by South Africa. He was then left in the stands for the following match, a 1-0 victory over Kenya.
Diakite has established himself as an important player for Cercle Bruges, starting seven of his 10 appearances for the club. However, the Compiegne-born defender now joins the group of players whose relationship with the national-team coach has become strained.
Mohamed Saliou Bangoura, Abdoul Karim Traore and Seydouba Cisse are unavailable because of injury.
Duarte has retained several key members of his squad, including Sekou Sylla, Ilaix Moriba, Aguibou Camara, Morlaye Sylla, Aliou Balde and, most notably, Serhou Guirassy.
Guinea are second in Group D, three points behind leaders South Africa. Two victories from the two matches against Eritrea would put the Syli National closer to qualification.
The national team missed the most recent Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
