COANKRY- Are Horoya AC, Hafia FC and the SOAR Academy forced to host their Champions League and CAF Cup second preliminary round matches away from home? This question comes up again because some clubs still involved in these tournaments accuse the country’s sports authorities of wanting to demand that they play away from Conakry.
However, CAF authorizes clubs to host home matches for these two preliminary rounds, even if our country does not have an approved stadium. The exception is made only for the group stages as was the case of Horoya who received their matches in Bamako last season. So, for what interests would the authorities push these teams to play away? The renovation works of the General Lansana Conté stadium are brandished as the main reason. Which is not to the taste of the said clubs who believe that this work can be postponed later so that they can play at home, to maximize their chances of qualifying for the group stage.
« During the first preliminary, we had written to all the clubs involved in the African campaign, to tell them that in the event of qualification for the 2nd round, the matches would be played outside. This is what the company working for the renovation of the stadium wants. Work has been postponed to allow clubs to receive the first round. And on September 1st, the company tells us that they have to start the works at the GLC stadium, that’s why it is suggested to these clubs to please relocate their meetings. We proposed Mali as a place for these clubs, with a helping hand from our authorities. Some agree, some don’t. We are in exchange with the Ministry of Sports, and this Wednesday, we have a meeting with the clubs, and an official decision will be taken. “Explains a source to the Guinean Football Federation.
At this pace, Hafia FC, Horoya AC and the SOAR academy can already see a plan B and prepare to receive outside Guinean borders, to the chagrin of Guinean fans.
Mohamed LAMINE TOURE
