Diallo confident Guinea have a great future

Jan 30, 2012, 12:30 GMT

Libreville, Gabon - An emphatic 6-1 victory against Botswana at the Africa Cup of Nations has given Guinea a new lease on life ahead of their final group C game against Ghana.

Although playing in his first Africa Cup of Nations defender Ibrahima Diallo is already one of the stalwarts in the side.

'Though it is my first tournament, I have more experience than younger players,' he said. 'Against Botswana, I spent 10 minutes before the game with Abdoul Razzagui Camara, who started as left-winger.

'We discussed things and I think it helped him during the game.'

The 26-year-old, who plays his club football for Belgium second division club Waasland-Beveren, said he learned some important lessons from the tournament.

'I learned that winning or losing one game can be a question of small details.

'I learned you always have to be patient when things don't go the way you want them to. And this tournament is my initiation of real top-level games. So I try to keep focused on my job as the best I can.'

Diallo expressed confidence Guinea football had a bright future, saying: 'We have a extremely skilled young generation. Players like Sadio Diallo, Ibrahima Traore, Abdoul Razzagui Camara to mention just a few of them.

'We are particularly well equipped in wingers and offensive midfielders. Guinea has to become a regular at the Africa Cup of Nations, as it was during the mid 2000s. I think with this promising young generation, we can be ambitious.'

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