CHAN 2024: Guinea edge Niger in Group C opener

Guinea started their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) journey with a 1-0 victory against Niger in a Group C match at Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

The match had fewer goal-scoring opportunities in the first half, with Niger dominating the early exchanges. Nonetheless, they couldn’t turn their possession into goal attempts.

The game’s best early chance came in the 37th minute when Lansana Sylla’s goal-bound attempt was parried away by Niger goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja. Niger were limited to few scoring opportunities during the half.

After the resumption, the local Syli National opened the scoring when Mohamed Bangoura turned in the ball after a low cross from Alhassan Bangoura. 2022 CHAN semifinalists Niger tried to get the equalizer, but their misfiring front line and Guinea’s strong performance in the middle of the park held them back.

Guinea tops the standings with three points in a group that includes hosts Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa.