Bafana Bafana AFCON Clash Takes Unexpected Turn After Guinea Coach’s Surprise Decision
- Paulo Duarte’s decision has added an unexpected layer to the build-up as Guinea prepare to face Bafana Bafana in a crucial AFCON qualifier
- The Guinea camp provided an explanation after the coach made a surprise call ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated Bafana Bafana clash
- Bafana Bafana’s AFCON opener now has another talking point, with Guinea’s preparations taking an intriguing turn before kick-off
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Twitter
The build-up to Bafana Bafana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea took an unexpected turn on Friday, 25 September, after Guinea coach Paulo Duarte skipped the mandatory pre-match press conference.
According to SABC Sport, Duarte said he was sick and could not attend the media session. The situation became more curious later in the day when Duarte was seen leading Guinea’s final training session ahead of Saturday’s meeting with South Africa.
Guinea team liaison officer Jesse Kalalu indicated that Duarte had deliberately chosen not to attend the press conference.
“I tried to convince him to come to the press conference but he didn’t want to be here,” Kalalu said.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Kalalu added that there was “no valid reason” for the head coach to be absent from the media duties, saying Duarte preferred to concentrate on the team’s preparations on the pitch.
Guinea send assistant coach to face media
Instead of Duarte, Guinea sent third assistant coach Mamadouba Sylla to the press conference. However, midfielder Mory Konate also addressed the media and rejected suggestions that Duarte’s absence was linked to pressure surrounding his position.
“The coach decided against being here, not because he is facing any pressure, we don’t think he is,” Konate said.
“The team is very motivated and they really want to impress and get a result against Bafana Bafana on Saturday.”
Guinea have reportedly gone four matches without a win, while Duarte is seeking to guide the Syli National to the 2027 AFCON after they missed the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana prepare for crucial AFCON opener
South Africa will host Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 26 September. The match will also mark Pitso Mosimane’s first competitive fixture since returning as Bafana Bafana head coach.
The Group D campaign is particularly important because South Africa are drawn alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. Only the highest-ranked eligible team outside the co-hosts will qualify from the group.
Mosimane has already warned his players about Guinea’s threat, particularly Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.
With the first qualifier now less than 24 hours away, Duarte’s decision has added another layer of intrigue to an important night for Bafana.
Source: Getty Images
Pitso Mosimane reveals what Bafana Bafana must do against Guinea
Briefly News also reported that Pitso Mosimane has identified the key challenge Bafana Bafana must handle when they face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Bafana coach highlighted the threat posed by Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy and stressed the importance of dealing with his aerial ability.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
