The Syli national team of Guinea is nearly complete as they prepare to face South Africa in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2027). As of Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 23 players have arrived at the team's training camp in South Africa, out of the 25 players called up by coach Paulo Duarte. The team is set to face Bafana Bafana on September 26, 2026, in their first match of the qualifiers in Group D.
The latest arrivals to join the team include Moriba Kourouma, Morlaye Sylla, Lancinet Kourouma, Aliou Badara Baldé, and Saïdou Sow, who arrived at the training camp in the morning. On Monday evening, six other players joined the team: Mohamed Soumah, Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Ousmane Camara, Soumaïla Sylla, Lamine Diaby Fadiga, and Aboubacar Kobélé Keïta. Previously, on September 20, players such as Mory Konaté, Aguibou Camara, Serhou Guirassy, Sékou Oumar Sylla, Seydouba Cissé, and Mohamed Richard Camara had already reported for duty.
The Syli national team will face a tough challenge against Bafana Bafana, who are the 1996 African champions. The South African team has a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, having been finalists in 1998 and finishing third in the 2000 tournament co-hosted by Cameroon and Nigeria. The Guinean team must perform well in the qualifiers, as they will be competing with the host nation, Kenya, and Eritrea for a spot in the tournament.
The qualifiers for CAN 2027 will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For Guinea, the journey begins with a difficult away match against South Africa, followed by a home match against Kenya on September 28, 2026, and then another match against Eritrea on October 1, 2026. With only one ticket available for the tournament, Guinea cannot afford to make mistakes, especially after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Coach Paulo Duarte has been working hard to assemble a strong team for the qualifiers. With 23 players already at the training camp, the team is expected to fine-tune their strategy and tactics ahead of the crucial matches. The Guinean Football Federation has been working closely with the team to ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place for the team's success.
The Syli national team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. With a tough group and limited opportunities, Guinea must deliver strong results to secure a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's first match against South Africa on September 26 will be a crucial test of their abilities and determination.
As the team prepares to take on Bafana Bafana, the players are focused on making a positive impact. With a strong squad and a determined coach, Guinea is ready to take on the challenge and make their mark in the qualifiers for CAN 2027. The team's fans are eagerly awaiting the matches, hoping that their team will secure a spot in the tournament.
Key points
- The Syli national team has 23 players out of 25 arrive for training in South Africa ahead of their CAN 2027 qualifier against Bafana Bafana.
