A Ferencváros midfielder, Naby Keita is missing from Guinea’s squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. His adviser Thierno Amadou Makadji disputes head coach Paulo Duarte’s decision and denounces an injustice.
Naby Keita is not in Guinea’s final squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Ferencváros midfielder, who was nonetheless on head coach Paulo Duarte’s preliminary list for the matches against Eritrea, has been left out, a decision that has drawn a reaction from his camp, according to the Hungarian press.
According to Csakfoci, citing GhanaSoccernet, the player had indicated he was ready to return to the national team. The coach decided otherwise, prompting a reaction from Thierno Amadou Makadji, the player’s adviser, who has challenged the head coach’s choice.
Duarte explains himself
Guinea’s head coach left out several experienced players for the two matches, including Naby Keita. According to Csakfoci, he says he wants to work with players who respond positively to his demands.
An explanation Thierno Amadou Makadji disputes. The adviser accuses the coach of not showing the full picture and recalls the risks Keita took to play at the 2019 AFCON while returning from injury, again according to Csakfoci.
In remarks reported by Mosaique Guinee, via Csakfoci, he also argues that the head coach is in no position to lecture Naby Keita on patriotism.
A return still awaited
Naby Keita has 58 caps and 12 goals for Guinea. He has not worn the national shirt since 2 February 2024, in the 2023 AFCON quarter-final against DR Congo.
This season he has played 9 matches in all competitions for Ferencváros. In September, Paulo Duarte had nonetheless stated that Keita remained “an option” and that there was no problem between them, according to Csakfoci.
Focus on Eritrea
Guinea face Eritrea in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, over two matches: Guinea – Eritrea on 12 November, then Eritrea – Guinea on 16 November 2026.