Guinea: Naby Keita attacks coach Paulo Duarte

The conflict continues between Naby Keita and the national team

Africa Today at 07:26

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Guinea: Naby Keita attacks coach Paulo Duarte

Absent from the Syli National squad, Naby Keita has seen his adviser publicly challenge the version given by Guinea coach Paulo Duarte.

According to reports, Naby Keita had received a preliminary call-up and was willing to return to Guinea. However, his name does not appear on Paulo Duarte’s list for the two matches against Eritrea, on November 12 and 16, in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This latest absence angered his adviser, Thierno Amadou Makadji.

Asked about several senior players left out of his squad, including Naby Keita, Mohamed Bayo and Morgan Guilavogui, Paulo Duarte explained that he only wanted to work with players who responded positively to his requests.

“I called up players once, twice, and they did not respond. Do you want me to keep calling players who do not want to come and play for the national team? Perhaps when I leave, the players will return,” the coach said.

🚨𝗟𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗘 𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗔̀ 𝗟’𝗘́𝗥𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘́𝗘 Le sélectionneur de la Guinée convoque 26 joueurs pour affronter l’Érythrée les 12 et 16 novembre 2026 en éliminatoires de la CAN 2027. ❌ Naby Keita, Mohamed Bayo, Morgan Guilavogui sont toujours absents. Ibrahim Diakite, Mohamed Saliou Bangoura, Abdoul Karim Traoré (blessé) et Seydouba Cissé (blessé) présents lors du précédent rassemblement, sont cette fois hors de la liste. ✅ En revanche, Amadou Diawara, Yakhouba Gnagna Barry et Mouctar Diakhaby signent leur retour. Il faut également noter la présence de Thierno Barry qui évolue en D2 en Albanie. Que pensez-vous des choix de Paulo Duarte ? #FOOT224
— F⚽⚽T224.COM (@FOOT_224) November 2, 2026

Thierno Amadou Makadji accuses Duarte

The coach’s comments prompted a reaction from Naby Keita’s entourage. According to Thierno Amadou Makadji, Duarte did not present the full picture. “Duarte must be honest and tell the Guineans the truth. He knows what happened with Naby. What he did not say is that Naby was selected, received his ticket and, at the last moment, his name was removed from the list. The evidence exists,” he told ConakrySports.

Makadji criticised Duarte for casting doubt on the former Liverpool player’s commitment to the Syli. “He has no lesson in patriotism to teach Naby,” he added, recalling the risks taken by the midfielder to play at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations while returning from injury. He even urged the coach to take responsibility for his decisions without “hiding behind excuses”.

Absent from the Syli since the quarter-final defeat by DR Congo at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, on February 2, 2024, Naby Keita therefore appeared ready to return.

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.