Guinea's CHAN 2024 Coach Souleymane Camara Replaced Due to CAF Licensing Requirements

A few weeks before the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has made the decision to dismiss Souleymane Camara, the head coach of the Syli Local squad, and Guillaume Soumah, his assistant. This decision was taken because Camara and Soumah do not fulfill the standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which requires coaches to have specific qualifications.

While Guinea successfully qualified for the tournament by defeating Guinea-Bissau in the second preliminary round, the FGF has been informed that both Camara and Soumah do not possess the necessary CAF A or CAF Pro licenses, which are mandatory for coaches of teams participating in the continental competition.

The FGF released an official statement thanking Coach Souleymane Abedi Camara and his assistant, Guillaume Soumah, for their work. However, they mentioned that both will be replaced to follow the rules set by CAF. “The FGF is happy with and congratulates Coach Souleymane Abedi Camara and his Assistant Guillaume Soumah. But we will work with the National Technical Directorate to make changes that meet CAF’s requirements,” the statement said.

No official names have been announced yet, but many believe Mohamed Kanfory Lappé Bangoura and Mamadouba Sylla Gaucher, the only two qualified coaches in Guinea, might take over the positions.

Camara played an important role in helping Guinea qualify for the tournament, but he will not be coaching the team during CHAN, which will be held from February 1 to 28, 2024, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The FGF plans to choose a new coach soon to make sure the team is prepared for the competition.