The Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, Guinea, is set to host a high-profile international match between Guinea's Syli national team and Kenya's Harambee Stars on October 1, 2026. In preparation for the event, a technical evaluation visit was conducted on September 28, 2026, by a delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Administration and Control of Major Projects (ACGP), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and technicians from the Guicopres BTP construction company. The visit aimed to ensure that the stadium's facilities meet the required standards for the match.
The stadium has been undergoing renovation and modernization efforts for four years, and this match marks a significant milestone in the country's return to hosting international football events at home. Ibrahima Abé Diallo, Administrator General of the ACGP, expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that the stadium is "technically ready" to host the Syli national team. The first phase of the modernization project involved upgrading the playing field and main tribune to meet CAF and FIFA standards.
The modernization project is a multi-phased effort, with the second phase involving the construction of additional infrastructure, including a gymnasium, an arena with 6,000 to 10,000 seats, and an annex stadium. Kerfala Camara, CEO of Guicopres BTP, praised the collaboration between the company, the Ministry of Sports, and the ACGP, which enabled the successful completion of the first phase. He also expressed gratitude to the Guinean authorities for entrusting the project to a local expertise.
Matoutou Kara, representing the CAF's infrastructure department, emphasized the institution's role in supporting countries in constructing or renovating stadiums to meet required standards. She noted that the successful completion of the project is a result of the collaboration between the CAF, the Guinean authorities, and Guicopres BTP. The CAF will make a final assessment after the match to determine if the stadium can host future international events.
Guinean Minister of Sports, Cellou Baldé, expressed optimism about the stadium's readiness, citing the positive results of previous test matches and the satisfactory state of the facilities. He highlighted that the stadium complex will eventually comprise several infrastructure projects, including a gymnasium, an Olympic pool, an arena, and an administrative building.
The match between Guinea and Kenya is expected to be a significant event, marking the return of the Syli national team to their home stadium after a four-year absence. The Guinean authorities and football officials are eager to assess the stadium's performance and determine its readiness for future international events.
The successful hosting of the match will be a major achievement for Guinea, demonstrating the country's ability to meet international standards in football infrastructure. The event is also expected to boost the country's football sector and provide a source of pride for the Guinean people.
Key points
- The Stade du 28 Septembre has been declared 'technically ready' to host Guinea's national team match against Kenya on October 1, 2026.
- The stadium has undergone a four-year renovation and modernization effort to meet CAF and FIFA standards.
- The successful hosting of the match will be a significant milestone in Guinea's return to hosting international football events at home.
