Guinea withdraws from June friendlies as government halts funding

Guinea’s national football team will not take part in their scheduled friendly matches during the June international window following a decision by the country’s Ministry of Sports to withhold funding.

The Syli National had been due to face Niger and Tunisia in Morocco on June 6 or 7 and June 10, respectively, but both fixtures have now been cancelled.

The move, confirmed by multiple local sources including ConakrySport, stems from a refusal by the Guinean government to finance the senior team’s operations.

“There’s no point wasting money preparing for a competition in which we’re not in a strong position,” a government official told local media, reflecting growing frustration over the national team’s struggles. “It’s time for FEGUIFOOT to learn to stand on its own two feet.”

This abrupt decision leaves head coach Michel Dussuyer and his squad without a much-needed opportunity to regroup ahead of September’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Guinea currently sit fifth in Group G, trailing leaders Algeria by eight points and second-place Mozambique by five, putting their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in serious jeopardy.

The cancelled friendlies had been intended as part of a broader strategy to address recent underperformances and maintain momentum ahead of the decisive fixtures against Somalia and Algeria.

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Without these preparatory matches, the team now faces a daunting path toward qualification with limited competitive match exposure.

Adding to the sense of uncertainty, the Ministry of Sports has redirected its resources to Guinea’s domestic-based squad (A’ team), which has secured qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The tournament, set to run from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has been declared a national priority.

While the investment in CHAN reflects a strategic pivot towards developing local talent, it has also sparked unease within the broader football community in Guinea.

Critics argue that sidelining the senior team at such a critical juncture could demoralise players and fans alike.

As other African nations gear up for summer friendlies and fine-tune their squads, Guinea finds itself on the sidelines — its flagship team caught in a political and financial storm.

With no matches, no funding, and no clear plan from the federation, the Syli National enter a period of forced inactivity that casts a long shadow over their already faltering World Cup campaign.