AFCON 2023 - Guinea: what happens next?

Tearful after a last-gasp win over Equatorial Guinea (1-0) in the last 16, Kaba Diawara and Guinea went out in the quarter-finals, beaten by DR Congo (1-3). With the Syli eliminated by the Leopards, questions over the coach's future have resurfaced. Appointed a little over two years ago, he was tasked with taking Guinea to at least the semi-finals of the AFCON in Ivory Coast. That target was missed. Even so, he became the first Syli coach to win a knockout game at an AFCON... The Guinea coach still finds reason for satisfaction. "We went out in the last 16 two years ago and it hurt us badly. And here, we arrived and we were heavily criticised. People didn't necessarily have faith in us. So we had to prove ourselves. You always have to prove yourself, it's simple," said Kaba Diawara, with tears in his eyes after that win over Equatorial Guinea.

Now we have to aim higher

While the coach's future keeps coming up in public debate, he has announced his intention to carry on in charge of Guinea. "After what we've been through, we saw there were good things, we put a system of play in place, and we have to stick with it. We'll have to work. We know where we need to improve. We pay the price every time we learn. The lads gave everything. We lost in the quarter-finals, but we've taken a step forward. Now we have to aim higher," said Kaba Diawara. He went on. "We did a bit better than two years ago, we showed we're progressing. That's football, you have to learn. Over the whole tournament, we have to say that with a younger squad, we improved. That's what matters," said the Guinea coach. Having showcased young players such as Ibrahima Diakité, Aguibou Camara and Sékou Oumar Sylla, he can point to solid arguments for continuing an ambitious project, notably with the arrival of some dual-nationals to strengthen the national squad.

Féguifoot president in his corner…

On that front, Kaba Diawara can count on significant backing. After the match against DR Congo that ended Guinea's AFCON run, the coach and his assistant Fousseni Diawara were seen hand in hand with the president of the Guinean Football Federation (Féguifoot) as they took a lap of honour towards the fans. It was a strong gesture from the head of Guinean football's governing body towards the coach, and one that is being read in different ways. According to our colleagues at 100%FOOT, the president also told Kaba Diawara and his staff that they will continue in charge of the national team.

But the contract is a concern

However, the Guinea coach's future does not depend solely on Féguifoot president Bouba Sampil. Under the terms of his contract, his main objective was to take the Syli to at least the semi-finals of AFCON 2023. At the Sports Ministry, a meeting is planned to decide the coach's fate. While missing his main target could lead to his dismissal, Kaba Diawara can count on significant backing. Newly elected as Féguifoot president, Bouba Sampil has promised to keep the coach in his post. Given a lavish reception in Conakry despite the quarter-final exit, everything suggests the partnership between Kaba Diawara and the Syli is unlikely to end any time soon. For now, no decision has been announced on Kaba Diawara's future, and in public debate the subject is once again being pressed insistently. A meeting between the various parties is planned very shortly in Conakry to decide the coach's fate. While some want him gone, others are calling for him to stay so he can see through his rebuilding of the Guinea national team, under way since he took over a little over two years ago.

Mamadou Gongorè DIALLO