Guinea (Group D)
Qualification came against massive odds as the ravages of the Ebola virus in the country saw Guinea banned from hosting any qualifers. They staged games in a virtually empty stadium in Casablanca and won one and drew two of their “home” matches, but they did suffer intense prejudice and twice a day they had to have their temperature checked in Morocco by health authorities. “Some measures we’ve felt have been discriminatory,” said coach Michel Dussuyer. Guinea’s best Nations Cup was in 1976 when they were runners-up to Morocco.
COACH
It is a second spell in charge of Guinea for 55-year-old Frenchman Dussuyer and a fifth time at the Nations Cup. He led them to the quarter-fnals in 2004 and was assistant to fellow countryman Henri Michel when Ivory Coast were runners-up two years later. In 2010 he qualifed Benin for the tournament, then went back to Guinea, taking them to the 2012 finals. Dussuyer has also coached French club Cannes in between his African assignments.
KEY PLAYERS
COACH
It is a second spell in charge of Guinea for 55-year-old Frenchman Dussuyer and a fifth time at the Nations Cup. He led them to the quarter-fnals in 2004 and was assistant to fellow countryman Henri Michel when Ivory Coast were runners-up two years later. In 2010 he qualifed Benin for the tournament, then went back to Guinea, taking them to the 2012 finals. Dussuyer has also coached French club Cannes in between his African assignments.
KEY PLAYERS
The squad is mostly made up of European-based players. Ibrahima Traoré brings Bundesliga experience and Ibrahima Conte is from Belgian champions Anderlecht. Boubacar Fofana, who plays in Portugal, is an underrated defensive midfelder. Florentin Pogba is elder brother of France midfelder Paul Pogba.
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-5-1):
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-5-1):
Naby Yattara - Baissama Sankoh, Mohamed Diarra, Florentin Pogba, Issaiaga Sylla - Ibrahima Conté, Thierno Bah, Boubacar Fofana, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Traoré - Idrissa Sylla.
Commenti
Posta un commento