Twenty-nine minutes into Guinea’s do-or-die Olympic play-off with Indonesia on 9 May, time stood still for Ilaix Moriba.
Guinea had been awarded a penalty and the midfielder was entrusted with firing them in front. Moriba delivered emphatically, hammering his spot-kick home to set his team on the way to victory. It proved the only goal of the game, with Guinea securing qualification for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 1968.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, the RB Leipzig player discussed that dramatic showdown, Guinean football’s bright future and his Paris 2024 ambitions.
What was going through your head when you placed the ball on the penalty spot in that play-off against Indonesia?
Ilaix Moriba: I’d already discussed this scenario with the coach a few days earlier, when we practiced penalties in training. We knew the game could require a shootout, and he said he had the utmost confidence in me – whether I had to take one during the shootout or the game itself. I knew I had to take responsibility and make a strong statement of intent.
It’s what I’ve been doing for many years now, and I don’t feel that much pressure [taking penalties]. After all, it’s football. You may or may not score, as we’re only human, and the country and the people have to understand that. However, I knew that penalty had to go in, and that’s what happened.
What does it mean to you to take part at Paris 2024?
I’m really looking forward to it. You don’t get that many opportunities to take part in the Olympic Games, particularly in a country as humble as mine. It’s been 56 years since we last took part. When it was announced that the qualification pathway would be via the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, I tried to make myself available, but I wasn’t able to go. However, the boys did a great job to reach the play-off, where we secured our ticket.
The Olympics is something you don’t get to experience every year. You see mythical photos, like Messi winning gold, so you know it’s a special occasion and not to be missed if the opportunity arises. If it’s not presented to you, then you need to seek it out, which is what I’ve done. I went in search of it and now have the chance to take part. Qualifying is already historic for the country, but we want it to be even more so.
How was it watching that U-23 AFCON without being able to play in it? You obviously experienced it as a fan, but what was it like knowing your friends and team-mates had the possibility of sending you to the Olympics?
We all experienced it the same, following each game avidly with the coaches of the senior team. It was a shame to lose in the semi-final against Egypt and then the match for third place on penalties. Still, the guys did a good job, and we qualified for the play-off.
How was Olympic qualification greeted in Guinea?
The country was already very happy after the [senior team’s performance] at the AFCON in January, but giving them this additional joy makes them trust our football more. We’re doing a very good job. As a team, we’ve been missing out for years, so now we’re eager to give it our all. There can be no excuses.
What will it mean to face the Olympic hosts at Paris 2024? France are also one of the favourites to win gold.
Yes, they are one of the fancied sides. We know that France would be title contenders in any age category, but they’re human just like us. Having asked permission [from club side RB Leipzig] to be at the Olympics, I don’t intend to cut short my trip or just go there to watch. We’re going there to try for a medal.
What are we going to learn about this Guinean Olympic team?
I have a great deal of confidence in this group. I’ve been involved for two years, during which time we’ve improved a lot. It’s time for the hard work of recent years to pay dividends. It’s starting to happen and the country is seeing it, but now we want everyone to deliver and really put ourselves on the football map. My mentality that I want to win and I’m not afraid of anyone. Our attitude is to leave everything out there and keep up the great work we’ve been doing.
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