AFCON 2022: Bring back the AFCON trophy or return the money we invested in you- Guinean President

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

Guinea interim president Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has sent a warning to the country’s national team players to make sure they win the AFCON trophy or return the money used for the team’s preparations.

The Syli Nationale have been drawn in Group B of the competition set to start on January 9 in Cameroon, alongside Zimbabwe, Malawi and Senegal.

While addressing the team before they left for Cameroon, Doumbouya challenged the team to return home with the AFCON trophy.

He said, “Bring back the trophy or bring back the money we invested in you. Period.”

Doumbouya led a coup d’état on 5 September 2021 that overthrew the previous president, Alpha Condé. He is member of the Guinean Special Forces Group and a former French legionnaire.

On the day of the coup, Doumbouya issued a broadcast on state television declaring that his faction had dissolved the government and constitution. On 1 October 2021, Doumbouya was sworn in as interim president.

Guinea, led by coach Kaba Diawara, will open their campaign with a game against the Flames at Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium Kouekong on January 10.

Four days later, they will come up against the Lions of Teranga before they wind up their group fixtures with a clash against the Warriors on January 18.

Guinea’s best finish in AFCON was runners-up in 1976. The team also reached the quarter-finals in four recent tournaments (2004, 2006, 2008, and 2015).

Three players include: Ilaix Moriba, Mamadou Kane and Ousmana Kante tested positive, while video analyst of the team Theo Dubosque also received similar results.

The four members of the team have been asked to remain in Conakry the capital of the country until they fully recover.