Guinea name debutants as Diawara builds for future, Keita absent

Guinea coach Kaba Diawara has named two new debutants in his squad for their upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations dead rubber against Malawi.

The Syli Natiional 23-man squad for their upcoming match against the Flames is without injured captain Naby Keita.

Left-back Madio Keita of French club Auxerre and defender Mohamed Cherif Camara of Guinean side Hafia FC have been called up after impressing for the Under-23 side.

Coach Diawara named the two new call-ups for the trip to Malawi on 9th September - defender Mohamed Cherif Camara and left-back Madio Keita, both promoted from the Under-23 side that played at the recent U23 AFCON.

Their promotion provides a glimpse into the future as Diawara continues evolving the Syli Nationale squad with one eye on the next generation.

Experienced midfielders Ibrahima Cisse and Moussa Camara also return to the fold to provide necessary guidance for the youngsters.

The midfielders Cisse and Camara return to the squad having missed Guinea's last set of fixtures in June.

Youngsters who have remained patient on the sidelines also receive opportunities to impress as Diawara looks to the future.

Guinea's talented youth prospects retained in the squad will be eager for opportunities when they travel to Malawi on 9th September.

Europe-based star and captain Keita is unavailable as he continues recovering from an adductor injury that has prevented him featuring this season.

In-form striker Mohamed Bayo is back after rediscovering his best form on loan at French club Lille from Clermont Foot.

Guinea have already wrapped up qualification for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations finals next January after an unbeaten campaign.

Although Guinea have already secured qualification to the AFCON finals in Cote d'Ivoire next year as group winners, Diawara is using the match to build depth.

The match in Lilongwe provides the chance for Guinea to work on tactical cohesion while blooding new talent.

The cohesion gained from this exercise will aid Guinea heading into crunch 2026 World Cup qualifiers next March.

Diawara's forward-thinking squad selection demonstrates he has one eye on the future as this promising Guinea generation develops.

The seeds planted now could bear fruit when the World Cup in North America rolls around next year.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Koné (Hibernians FC, Malta) – Aly Kéita (Ostersunds, Sweden) – Moussa Camara (Horoya AC, Guinea)

Defenders: Issiaga Sylla (Montpellier, France) – Madiou Kéita (AJ Auxerre, France) – Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia, Spain) – Mohamed Cherif Camara (Hafia FC, Guinea) – Saidou Sow (Strasbourg, France) – Mohamed Ali Camara (Young Boys, Switzerland) – Ibrahima Diakité (Stade de Reims, France) – Dembo Sylla (Lorient, France)

Midfielders: Amadou Diawara (Anderlecht, Belgium) – Ibrahima Cissé (Ural Yekaterinburg, Russia) – Mory Konaté (FC Mechelen, Belgium) – Seydouba Cissé (Leganes, Spain) – Aguibou Camara (Atromitos, Greece) – Moriba Kourouma (RB Leipzig, Germany)

Attackers: François Kamano (Abha FC, Saudi Arabia) – Morgan Guilavogui (RC Lens, France) – Yadaly Diaby (Austria Lustenau, Austria) – Morlaye Sylla (FC Arouca, Portugal) – Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart, Germany) – Mohamed Bayo (Lille, France)