AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Guinea call up this player after Guirassy withdraws

FK Rodina Moscow striker joins the Syli National for their two-legged tie against Eritrea

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AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Guinea call up this player after Guirassy withdraws

12.11.26 11:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Guinea

Eritrea

The Syli National have called up Kerfala Cissoko to bolster their attack. Nicknamed “Dada”, the striker, who plays in Russia’s top division for FK Rodina Moscow, was summoned by Paulo Duarte after several players withdrew from the Guinea squad, including Serhou Guirassy.

Guirassy out for several weeks

Borussia Dortmund announced that their centre-forward Serhou Guirassy was suffering from a thigh muscle injury. Medical examinations confirmed the diagnosis, and initial estimates suggest he will be sidelined for four to six weeks.

🚨🟡⚫ Guirassy out as Dortmund await recovery 🚑 Serhou Guirassy will miss Saturday’s clash against Elversberg after suffering a thigh strain against Real Betis. 🗣️ Niko Kovač: “He will probably stay here and not join the national team.” ⏳ Dortmund hope the striker can recover during the international break and return for their next match. ✅ Marcel Sabitzer has resumed training after illness and could return to the squad.
— Burle Junior (@BurleJunior) November 6, 2026

The German club had reportedly hoped that Guinea would release him from the squad so he could continue his treatment and recovery in Germany. The Syli will therefore have to do without their striker for both matches against Eritrea in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Kerfala Cissoko called up by Paulo Duarte

To make up for his absence, head coach Paulo Duarte has decided to call up Kerfala Cissoko. The FK Rodina Moscow player announced his call-up himself in an Instagram story. His arrival comes at a difficult time for the Guinea team, which has seen several players withdraw.

🇬🇳 SYLI NATIONAL : KERFALA CISSOKO APPELÉ EN RENFORT ! Surnommé « Dada », l’attaquant guinéen évoluant en première division russe sous les couleurs du FK Rodina Moscou est convoqué par le sélectionneur Paulo Duarte pour pallier les nombreux forfaits enregistrés au sein du Syli National, notamment en attaque avec l’absence de Serhou Guirassy. C’est le joueur lui-même qui a annoncé sa convocation à travers une story publiée sur son compte Instagram.
— Cherif Sow (@Cherifsowgn) November 10, 2026

After Saidou Sow, Soumaïla Sylla and Serhou Guirassy, Lamine Diaby Fadiga has also withdrawn. The Raków Częstochowa striker was injured in the match against Legia Warsaw after just 32 minutes. Guinea are due to face Eritrea on November 12 and 16 in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. After two rounds, the Syli National sit second in their group on three points, behind South Africa, who have six. Kenya and Eritrea are next, each with one point.

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