2027 AFCON: Guinea appeals to CAF before their trip to South Africa

The Guinean Federation says it fears for its delegation in a context marked by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Guinea does not want to travel to South Africa without guarantees. Two months before the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Guinean Football Federation has appealed to CAF regarding the match scheduled for September against Bafana Bafana.

According to Guinee28 and Afrik-Foot, the Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) is demanding strict security guarantees for its delegation from the African governing body. Failing that, it wants the match moved to a neutral venue. This comes amid a tense atmosphere, marked by the rise in xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Guinea wants guarantees before the trip

The South Africa-Guinea match is supposed to count towards the first day of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. But the Guinean federation believes that the current climate does not allow the Syli National to be sent out in normal conditions.

In its letter to CAF, the Guinean delegation expressed concerns about the physical safety of its members. This request does not mean the match has already been postponed. CAF has been notified and must decide on the next steps.

Two options are now possible. The first would be to maintain the match in South Africa with heightened security. The second would be to relocate it to a neutral country, in order to avoid any risk to the Guinean delegation and its supporters.

Xenophobia in the background

Guinea's initiative is part of a broader situation. At the end of June, the UN warned of rising xenophobia in South Africa, fueled by inequality and tensions surrounding immigration. The organization cited displaced families, attacks, and voluntary repatriations organized by several African countries.

In this climate, the Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) believes that the Syli National team's trip must be accompanied by solid guarantees. Violence targeting African nationals has already fueled unease across the continent, including within the football community.

The pressure therefore does not only come from the sporting calendar. It also relates to South Africa's image and its ability to host an African team at a sensitive time.

A match already fraught with tension

From a sporting perspective, this match is important. Guinea and South Africa meet in a qualifying campaign where every point will count. For the Syli National, the trip to face Bafana Bafana could already have a significant impact on their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

But security concerns are now taking precedence. Guinea isn't simply asking for logistical arrangements. It wants to know if its players, staff, and delegation members can travel safely.

The CAF will therefore have to decide between maintaining the schedule and exercising caution. Its decision will be closely watched by other African federations, especially if tensions in South Africa persist.

The CAF decision is expected

For the moment, no official decision from CAF has been announced. The match is still scheduled for September, but Guinea's appeal changes the tone surrounding this first day of the qualifiers.

If the match is held in South Africa, CAF could impose stricter security measures. If it is moved, the situation would set a precedent for international matches organized during a social or security crisis.

In any case, Guinea wanted to send a clear message: the Syli National does not want to play this match as if nothing had happened.