Bangoura II Strikes to Seal Three Points

Guinea kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against regional rivals Niger, thanks to a composed finish by Mohamed Bangoura II just two minutes into the second half. The goal came after a low cross from Alhassane Bangoura and was initially flagged offside, but VAR confirmed it, sparking celebrations on the Syli Nationale bench.

Despite expectations for an open contest, the game turned out to be a tight, physical battle. The first half featured few chances, with long-range efforts from Lansana Sylla and Théodore Jules offering minimal threat. Fouls broke the rhythm repeatedly, and five yellow cards were shown, three of them to Niger.

With this win, Guinea extended their unbeaten run in open play at the CHAN to eight matches. Their tactical discipline and defensive organization were key to securing the result in this Group C opener.

Niger Fall Short Despite Late Push

After conceding early in the second half, Niger pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Substitute Abdoul-Latif Goumey came close with a looping header that missed just wide in the 76th minute. Ridouane Assane tried his luck from distance, while Bilal Oumarou delivered dangerous crosses from the flanks.

However, Guinea held firm. Center-back Mohamed Diabaté anchored the back line, supported by a hard-working midfield featuring Ousmane Drame and substitute Ibrahima Sankhon. Goalkeeper Ousmane Camara remained largely untested but dealt confidently with a series of late corners.

The referee added eight minutes of stoppage time, and Niger launched a final wave of attacks. A crucial block on Assane in the 96th minute and an offside flag on Abdoul Kassali in the closing seconds ensured Guinea held on to their three points.

The result puts Guinea in a strong position in a competitive Group C, which also features Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa. For Niger, it’s a disappointing start to their fifth CHAN appearance and leaves them with work to do to stay in contention for the quarterfinals.