Dussuyer fears tough Guinea group

Guinea manager Michel Dussuyer said his side have a tough group for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

Former Benin Republic coach Dussuyer wants to put the results in qualifying – in which they finished ahead of giants Nigeria – firmly behind them so that they are able to work hard and focus on the tournament.

“It was a great performance to finish ahead of Nigeria. Guineans were proud of the team, but all that is now in the past,” the Frenchman said.

“We therefore have to continue to work hard, give our 100 per cent always, because we are not in an easy group.”

Speaking about Group D, where Guinea will be faced with Ghana, Mali and Botswana, Dussuyer said a knockout round showing was their aim.

“Our first objective is to get past the first round. Ghana and Mali will be our major rivals, but we will also not take for granted Botswana, who were the surprise team in the qualifiers,” he said.

Dussuyer, however, is concerned that some of his squad members have not been getting sufficient game time at their respective club sides.

“I would have been a lot happier were my players playing regularly at their clubs. But that is not the case,” he added.

“We have tried to deal with this problem during the preparation for the competition and now hope for the best.”

Guinea kick off their campaign against Mali on Tuesday.