The Guinean military government and interim president Mamady Doumbouya have increased efforts to hold onto the country’s hosting responsibilities for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Doumbouya indicated hosting funds will be given top priority as a matter of national interest. Following the September 2021 coup that installed Doumbouya as the West African country’s leader the questions surrounding Guinea’s hosting capabilities have only increased and Nigeria offered to step in and assume hosting duties.
However, Guinean leadership rejected any questions about whether the country can fulfill its duties and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) indicated there have been no changes. With CAF officials set to visit the country to examine the progress made there will continue to be speculation over whether Guinea is a suitable host in 2025 but for now Minister of Youth and Sports Lansana Bea Diallo’s comments on the matter represent a strong rebuke to any doubts: “So, I would like to tell all those who are candidates to position themselves for 2027, 2029 or 2031. 2025 is for Guinea.”
