AFCON 2023: Kaba Diawara, Guirassy “roll sleeves” ahead of Equatorial Guinea match

Just like 2021 in Cameroon, Guinea secured a round of 16 spot with the status of favorites against Equatorial Guinea that remains on a long series of matches without defeat.

Eliminated by Gambia in 2021 in Cameroon, Syli wants to rectify the situation and qualify for the quarter-finals this year.

But facing the Nzalang National in great form on the back of inflicting a 4-0 win on Côte d’Ivoire, coach Kaba Diawara is confident and has reassured supporters that his players are ready to get the quarter-final ticket.

Diawara was talking at the pre-match press conference this Saturday at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan.

Despite the controversial story linked to bonuses which shook the ranks of Syli, the former Guinean striker affirms that his team is ready to take up the challenge.

Best quotes as gathered by sportglitz.com

“We have worked on the tactics to put in place, we are ready. We are professionals, we remain focused on the match against Equatorial Guinea. The story on bonuses? We focus on the pitch, not what happens off it. We have been facing difficulties getting past the eighth finals, we still have that elimination against Gambia last year in our minds.

“We learned from our mistakes, we hope to get past this milestone. Everyone is fit, if we win, it will be the first time in our history to win a direct elimination match. We know the the task ahead.

“We respect our opponents who had a good group stage, but the key word is victory. We are on a mission and the responsibility we have, the players know it, the staff too.”

Striker, Guirassy added flesh to what his coach said as regards match bonuses;

“Of course, there was this story regarding the bonuses, that was an erroneous information.

“But we remain focused and concentrated. The whole group lives well, we get along very well. We know the truth and the objective remains tomorrow’s match and the qualification against Equatorial Guinea. I think that’s the main thing.” Guirassy aired before giving a thumbs up on his health;

“Concerning my health, I feel better. Today, I have more certainty and I am 100% ready”.