Foot Africa
·4 August 2025
CHAN 2024: Guinea opens with a victory over Niger (1-0)

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·4 August 2025
Syli National tops Group C thanks to Mohamed Bangoura.
CHAN 2024: Guinea opens with a victory over Niger (1-0)
Guinea claimed their first win at CHAN 2024 with a 1-0 triumph over Niger on Monday, August 4, at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Mohamed Bangoura II scored the only goal of the match early in the second half, propelling Syli National to the top of Group C.
The Guineans kicked off their 2024 African Nations Championship campaign with a hard-fought victory over Niger. The Group C opener was marked by cautious play from both sides, especially in the first half where clear-cut chances were few and far between.
The opening forty-five minutes were characterized by a stop-start rhythm with frequent fouls and interruptions. Both Niger and Guinea adopted a pragmatic tactical approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking risk. Lansana Sylla and Théodore Jules tried their luck from distance, but neither goalkeeper was truly troubled.
The match dynamic shifted right after the interval. Just two minutes into the second half, Alhassane Bangoura whipped in a cross from the left for Mohamed Bangoura, who beat the Nigerien goalkeeper with a precise right-footed strike. The assistant initially flagged for offside, but VAR confirmed the goal after review. That opener freed the Guineans, who then took greater control of the game.
Niger responded with a more attacking approach, surging forward repeatedly but failing to seriously test Ousmane Camara. Harouna Doula’s men threw everything forward in the closing stages. Substitute Abdoul-Latif Goumey nearly equalized in the 76th minute with a header that flashed just wide. Ridouane Assane also tried his luck from distance on several occasions, but to no avail. This opening win puts Guinea in a strong position in a tough Group C that also features hosts Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa.