The Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, Guinea, is poised to host international football matches again after a mission led by a Confederation of African Football (CAF) expert inspected the facility. The inspection, which included Guinea's Sports Minister Cellou Baldé and Kerfalla Person Camara, CEO of Guicopres Group, assessed the stadium's conformity to CAF and FIFA standards. The visit aimed to verify if the renovations meet the required standards for the upcoming match between Guinea's Syli National and Kenya's Harambee Stars.
Minister of Sports Cellou Baldé expressed satisfaction with the inspection results, stating that the stadium's main sections, including the pitch, stands, locker rooms, and technical facilities, meet CAF and FIFA standards. He confirmed that the stadium is ready to host international matches, specifically the upcoming game between Guinea and Kenya. However, Baldé noted that the project encompasses more than just the stadium, including a gymnasium, Olympic pool, arena, training field, and administrative building.
Kerfalla Person Camara, CEO of Guicopres Group, praised the work done by Guicopres BTP teams and acknowledged the media's role in monitoring the project's progress. He stated that the critiques and feedback helped improve the work quality. Camara expressed gratitude to the Guinean authorities, the Ministry of Sports, and the Control Agency for Large Projects for their support. He confirmed that all CAF requirements have been met.
CAF expert Toto Krate, who led the inspection, welcomed the collaboration between CAF, Guinean authorities, and project stakeholders. She explained that CAF has established a new infrastructure department to assist countries in constructing or renovating sports facilities to meet CAF standards. Krate noted that the work done with Guinean authorities and project managers resulted in the positive inspection outcome.
The final decision on the stadium's homologation will be made after the Guinea-Kenya match, according to Toto Krate. The CAF expert stated that the match will serve as a test to confirm the stadium's readiness for international competitions. Once homologated, the Stade du 28 Septembre is expected to host Guinea's national team, Syli National, in its historic venue.
The Guinea-Kenya match is scheduled to take place at the Stade du 28 Septembre, marking a significant milestone in the stadium's return to international football. Minister Cellou Baldé announced that an official ceremony will be organized to mark the stadium's reopening to international competitions. The event is expected to take place soon.
The successful inspection and upcoming match have raised optimism about the stadium's future. Key stakeholders, including Guinean authorities, CAF, and project managers, have expressed satisfaction with the progress made. The Stade du 28 Septembre's homologation will not only boost Guinea's football but also provide a modern facility for future international events.
Key points
- The Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, Guinea, has been deemed ready to host international football matches after a CAF inspection confirmed its conformity to CAF and FIFA standards.
