Guinea head coach Souleymane Camara has insisted his side can bounce back from their heavy defeat to Uganda as they prepare to face South Africa in a crucial CHAN 2024 Group C fixture on Monday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Guinea head into the encounter still reeling from a 3-0 loss to Uganda in their opening match, a result that has placed significant pressure on the squad ahead of their second group-stage outing.
South Africa, meanwhile, secured a point in a 1-1 draw with Algeria and will also view Monday’s clash as a must-win if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
With Uganda and Algeria currently leading the group standings, both Guinea and South Africa find themselves in precarious positions, knowing that anything short of victory could severely damage their chances of progressing.
Despite the difficult start, Camara remains calm and optimistic about his team’s chances. Speaking ahead of the match, he made it clear that Guinea are approaching the game with the belief that they can claim all three points.
“I believe this is a match we can win,” Camara said. “I take full responsibility for this team, and I’ve reminded the players that they are capable of winning. We’ve had enough time to rest, and I believe the squad has recovered well. One defeat does not take away our hope—our objective is still alive.”
Monday’s encounter is shaping up to be a test of not only tactics but also mental resilience. Both teams are under pressure, and Camara knows that psychological strength will be just as crucial as any technical adjustment.
“The fight is not over,” he added. “We must show character and bounce back. This match is about survival in the tournament.”
The group standings reflect the urgency. South Africa sit just above Guinea with a single point from their draw against Algeria, while Guinea’s goal difference places them just behind.
Uganda and Algeria occupy the top two spots, having both avoided defeat in their opening matches. Niger, who have yet to register a point, trail at the bottom.
Camara’s message to his players has been one of belief and focus. He is urging them to leave the disappointment of the Uganda result behind and concentrate fully on the opportunity ahead. A win against South Africa could change the narrative and reinvigorate Guinea’s campaign.
South Africa, for their part, will be equally determined. After a promising performance against Algeria, they too understand that only a win will realistically allow them to remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
As both sides prepare for what could be a defining moment in their CHAN 2024 journeys, the match is expected to be fiercely contested. With qualification hanging in the balance, neither Guinea nor South Africa can afford another setback.
The stage is set for a tense and high-stakes battle in Group C, where pride, pressure, and progression all collide.
