Etoile du Sahel Travel to Guinea Despite Ebola Concerns Over Confederation Cup Tie
Conakry, Guinea – Tunisian side Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) will travel to Guinea to face Horoya AC in the CAF Confederation Cup round of 16, despite expressing serious concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the West African nation.
The Tunisian club had formally requested that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) relocate the first-leg match from Conakry due to health and safety fears. However, Horoya refused the proposal, and CAF has yet to issue any directive altering the venue. As a result, the match will proceed as scheduled in the Guinean capital this Sunday.
Reluctant Departure Amid Health Concerns
Despite their reservations, Étoile du Sahel’s delegation has begun their journey, flying first to Casablanca, Morocco, before continuing on to Guinea. The decision to travel was made reluctantly by the Tunisian club’s management after their relocation appeal was not approved in time.
Speaking to Tunisian radio station Mosaique FM, Abdesslam Dhaifallah, editor-in-chief of the sports department, confirmed the club’s concerns: “Yes, Étoile du Sahel wants to contact CAF to request the relocation of its first leg match scheduled for Conakry because of the Ebola fever.”
The club’s unease comes amid renewed global scrutiny over travel to Ebola-affected regions. Guinea has been among the countries hardest hit by the virus, with health warnings and travel advisories issued by multiple international bodies. Nevertheless, CAF has not postponed or relocated the fixture, insisting that adequate precautions and medical protocols are in place.
Horoya Stand Firm
Hosts Horoya AC have remained firm in their stance, insisting that the match must be played at home as originally planned. The Guinean side, which enjoys strong support in the capital, believes it is essential to maintain their home advantage in this critical stage of the tournament.
Horoya officials have assured both CAF and visiting teams that all necessary health and safety measures have been implemented in coordination with local authorities. The club maintains that football in the country must continue despite the challenging public health situation.
A Difficult Balancing Act
The situation underscores the growing tension between sporting commitments and public health priorities. While the Confederation Cup remains one of Africa’s most prestigious club competitions, the backdrop of an Ebola outbreak has added a layer of complexity to logistics and diplomacy.
ESS, one of Tunisia’s most decorated clubs, now faces the task of balancing player safety with performance. Club officials have already indicated that they will look for safer accommodations during their stay in Guinea and plan to limit exposure wherever possible.
Regardless of the outcome in Conakry, Étoile du Sahel will host the return leg in Tunisia, where they hope to capitalise on home advantage in a safer and more controlled environment.
While the players and staff prepare for a challenging away fixture, the broader issue of health risk management in African football remains a pressing concern—one that both clubs and CAF will likely need to revisit as the tournament progresses.
