Horoya AC reclaim West African Champions Cup as five players make their mark

Horoya AC recovered from a difficult start to win the fifth edition of the West African Champions Cup, beating Karfamoriah FC 5-3 on penalties after a goalless final at Stade Mballou Mady Diakite in Kankan.

The Guinean club held their nerve in the shootout to secure the trophy and produced a determined, united display throughout the competition. The victory also gives Horoya AC a positive platform as they prepare for the new season.

The triumph was built on a collective effort, according to Horoya AC assistant coach Sekou Soumah, known as “Diego”. In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, Soumah said it was difficult to assess the squad individually immediately after the tournament, although five players were highlighted for their strong performances.

Gnagna Barry continues to deliver

Yakhouba Gnagna Barry played a significant part in Horoya AC’s success after scoring both goals in the club’s 2-1 victory over FC Diarra.

The striker is already a well-established figure in Guinean football and enjoyed another outstanding campaign in 2025/26. He finished as the league’s leading scorer with 20 goals in 23 appearances, surpassing the personal record he set in 2021/22, when he scored 17 times.

It was the third occasion on which Gnagna Barry has ended the Guinean championship as top scorer. His first came in 2018, when he scored 16 goals for Santoba FC.

Camara adds experience and leadership

At 32, Daouda Camara “Thiago” is one of the most experienced midfielders in Guinea. His career has included spells abroad in Tunisia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Egypt before he returned to Guinea to join Horoya AC.

Camara’s influence extended beyond his work in midfield during the tournament. As captain, he provided leadership and played an important role in Horoya AC’s success in the 2025 West African Champions Cup.

Sylla impresses in the middle

Lansana Sylla, nicknamed “El Maestro Sinkala”, is 20 and has emerged as an impressive box-to-box midfielder.

His performances during the West African Champions Cup 2026 helped Horoya AC produce a strong campaign and return to the top of the competition. The Matam-based club had last won the tournament in 2022.

Sylla’s energy and all-round contribution made him one of the young players to attract attention during Horoya AC’s successful run.

Bah dominates the duels

Yero Bhoye Bah used his imposing physical presence to make a major impact. The 23-year-old defender was difficult to beat in challenges and played with authority while avoiding unnecessary risks.

He was described as one of the best players at the West Africa Champions Cup 2026 and delivered a major contribution to Horoya AC’s campaign. Bah scored once in four matches as the club secured the trophy.

Diallo shows promise in goal

Maodo Malick Diallo is regarded as one of the promising young goalkeepers in the next generation of Guinean football. At only 19, he was trusted to start the final against Karfamoriah FC.

Diallo showed determination when the match went to penalties and helped Horoya AC prevail in the decisive shootout. His performance in the final underlined his potential and gave the club another reason for optimism ahead of the new season.

Horoya AC’s victory ended a challenging start to the competition in the best possible way, with the club combining defensive strength, collective commitment and individual contributions to lift the trophy in Kankan.