Guinea arrives in Uganda to CHAN 2024 fanfare
Guinea’s national team touched down at Entebbe International Airport in the early hours of Friday, ahead of the delayed CHAN 2024 tournament. A 45-member delegation, including players, officials, and media, arrived at the lakeside airport and cleared immigration before being welcomed by Ugandan officials and vibrant cultural performances.
Official welcome & cultural display
The FUFA Third Vice President, Owek. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, and Executive Committee member Agnes Mugena, led the protocol team, joined by CHAN 2024 PAMOJA LOC member Mark Namanya. “We welcome our brothers from Guinea,” stated Owek. Nakiwala. “They are warmly welcomed to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. This is the second team to arrive for CHAN 2024 after Niger. We still expect Algeria and South Africa.”
The “Crane Performers” transformed the night with drumming, dancing, a gorilla-costumed performer (Patrick Olaupo), and stilt walker Abdul Katongole. The display captivated the delegation, with one member even joining the dancers. Under tight security, the team departed via convoy directly to their tournament base at Sheraton By Four Points Kampala.
Tournament context & Guinea’s schedule
Guinea competes in Group C alongside hosts Uganda, Niger, South Africa, and Algeria. Their match schedule at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, is as follows:
– Monday, August 4: vs Niger (5 PM)
– Friday, August 8: vs Uganda Cranes (8 PM, floodlights)
– Monday, August 11: vs South Africa
– Friday, August 15: vs Algeria
This 8th edition marks the first CHAN tournament co-hosted by three nations (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). CHAN exclusively features players active in the domestic leagues of participating countries. Originally slated for 2024, the tournament now features 19 nations.
