Guinea returns to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) determined to make a bold statement. Absent in 2022, the Syli National are back for their fourth appearance and aiming to build on their impressive third-place finish from the 2020 edition in Cameroon. With a solid core and renewed ambition, the West Africans are among the dark horses in this year’s competition.

Led by coach Souleymane Camara, who steered them through the qualification campaign, Guinea brings a disciplined, attack-minded squad that blends experience and young promise. The nation previously featured in CHAN in 2016, 2018, and 2020, with their bronze medal in 2020 serving as a benchmark for this generation.

Guinea’s preparations began with a training camp in Morocco, where they faced local outfit Union Sportive de Bejaad, winning 2-1 in a competitive friendly. They later shifted base to Douala, Cameroon, where they took on fellow CHAN-bound Central African Republic. That match ended in a 1-1 draw and allowed the coaching staff to fine-tune tactical details ahead of the trip to Uganda.

Official Squad

Goalkeepers:

Ousmane Camara, Mory Keïta, Mamadou Yéro Diallo

Defenders:

Kabinet Kouyaté (Flamme Olympique), Bangaly Cissé (Hafia FC), Bourlaye Camara (Renaissance FC), Ibrahima Nounké Kaba (Hafia FC), Mohamed Bangoura (Renaissance FC), Mohamed Diabaté (Hafia FC), Mohamed Boké Camara (ASM Sangarédi), Mamady Mara (Renaissance FC)

Midfielders:

Ousmane Dramé (Milo FC), Lansana Sylla (Horoya AC), Alhassane Bangoura (ASM Sangarédi), Mohamed Bangoura (Hafia FC), Mohamed Madani Diarra (CI Kamsar), Ibrahima Sory Sankhon (Horoya AC)

Forwards:

Yakhouba Gnagna Barry (Horoya AC), Bourhane Camara (RCC Kamsar), Bachir Bangoura (Milo FC), Ismaël Camara (Horoya AC), Moussa Moïse Camara (Wakriya AC), Mohamed Lamine Youla (Renaissance FC)

Star Watch:

Yakhouba Gnagna Barry (Horoya AC) – One of Guinea’s most experienced forwards, Gnagna Barry offers leadership, calmness in the box, and clinical finishing. Having featured in previous CHAN editions, he understands the demands of the tournament and is expected to spearhead the Syli National’s attack.

Mohamed Saliou Bangoura (Hafia FC) – A breakout star at just 20 years old, Bangoura has already proven his worth, scoring in both legs of the qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau. Blessed with pace, flair, and an eye for goal, he is likely to be one of the most exciting young players at CHAN 2024.

Ibrahima Sory Sankhon (Horoya AC) – With senior national team caps under his belt, Sankhon brings experience and control to Guinea’s midfield. His composure, intelligent passing, and defensive work rate offer crucial stability in the engine room.

Fixtures & Group Overview

Guinea finds itself in Group C, arguably one of the toughest pools of CHAN 2024. With matches against host Uganda, former semi-finalists Niger, and heavyweights South Africa and Algeria, the Syli National must be at their best from day one.

August 4 – Niger vs Guinea – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
August 8 – Uganda vs Guinea – Nelson Mandela Stadium Namboole.
August 11 – South Africa vs Guinea – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
August 15 – Algeria vs Guinea – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole.

Guinea’s return to CHAN after missing the last edition brings fresh energy and expectation. With a well-balanced squad, in-form attackers, and a strong record in recent tournaments, the Syli National are well-positioned to challenge for the title. If their young stars step up and the midfield holds firm, Guinea could be one of the standout teams of the tournament.