As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) draws closer, all eyes are on Guinea’s local-based national team, the Syli Locaux, to salvage national pride after the senior team’s failure to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The pressure is palpable, and the Guinean Football Federation is pulling out all the stops to ensure a transformative campaign.

In a strategic move, the 26-man provisional squad, announced by coach Souleymane Camara, has embarked on an overseas training camp in Senegal, commencing this Wednesday, July 2.

This bold decision aims to provide the squad with crucial competitive exposure ahead of the challenging CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2 to 30, 2025.

As part of their rigorous preparations, the Syli Locaux are scheduled for back-to-back friendly matches against reigning CHAN champions Senegal on July 4 and 7 in Dakar.

These high-stakes encounters will serve as a vital litmus test before Guinea plunges into Group C battles against formidable opponents: Algeria, South Africa, Uganda (co-hosts), and Niger.

However, the squad announcement has not been without its share of controversy. Notably absent from the list is Moussa Moise Camara, the top scorer in Guinea’s top-tier league.

Coach Souleymane Camara’s decision to omit the prolific forward has ignited debate among fans and pundits, with no official explanation offered for the perplexing exclusion.

Despite the controversy, the selected squad showcases a blend of talent from Guinea’s football powerhouses like Horoya AC, Hafia FC, and Milo FC, alongside promising players from lesser-known clubs such as Renaissance FC and SAG.

The stage is set for the Syli Locaux to carry the hopes of a nation eager to reclaim its continental relevance.

Their journey in CHAN 2024 will be watched keenly, with every pass, tackle, and goal carrying the weight of national aspiration.

Full Squad – Guinea Syli Locaux for CHAN 2024:

Goalkeepers:

• Ousmane Camara (Flamme Olympique)
• Mory Keita (Hafia FC)
• Sekou Salifou Sylla (Horoya AC)

Defenders:

• Kabinet Kouyate (Hafia FC)
• Bourlaye Camara (Milo FC)
• Bangaly Cisse (ASM Sangaredi)
• Ibrahima Nounké Kaba (Horoya AC)
• Mohamed Boké Camara (CI Kamsar)
• Mamady Mara (Horoya AC)
• Mohamed Bangoura (ASM Sangaredi)
• Mohamed Diabate (Hafia FC)

Midfielders:

• Ousmane Drame (Hafia FC)
• Lansana Sylla (Horoya AC)
• Alhassane Bangoura (Milo FC)
• Mohamed Bangoura (Hafia FC)
• Mohamed Madani Diarra (SAG)
• Salifou Camara (Hafia FC)
• Issiaga Bangoura (Renaissance FC)
• Ibrahima Sory Sankhon (AS Kaloum)

Forwards:

• Yakhouba Gnagna Barry (Horoya AC)
• Cheick Bourhane Camara (RCC Kamsar)
• Aboubacar Bachir Bangoura (Milo FC)
• Sékou Damaro Bangoura (Renaissance FC)
• Aboubacar Kanacé Camara (CI Kamsar)
• Ismael Camara (Horoya AC)
• Mohamed Lamine Youla (Renaissance FC)

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