The Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, Guinea, has undergone a significant transformation after years of being out of use. The renovation, led by GUICOPRES BTP, has brought the stadium up to international standards, with a new natural grass pitch, VIP and VVIP areas, a media center, and improved parking facilities. The stadium's renovation is a major boost for Guinean football, which has had to play its international matches abroad in recent years.
The renovation project, which began in 2024, took two and a half years to complete, with a team of workers laboring to meet the deadline. GUICOPRES BTP had committed to delivering a stadium that met the requirements of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). The company's efforts have paid off, with the CAF granting the stadium a temporary category 3 homologation in August 2026.
The Stade du 28 Septembre's renovation is not just limited to the pitch. The stadium now boasts 14 luxury boxes, VIP and VVIP areas, and improved facilities for spectators, including food and beverage outlets and upgraded parking. The stadium also features three walkways, connecting the exterior to the stands, and three elevators, providing easy access to the official lounge and other areas.
The media center, which includes a press conference room and mixed zone, is another key feature of the renovated stadium. This will enable journalists to work in better conditions, with access to facilities that meet international standards. The Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) has already opened the accreditation process for the Guinea-Kenya match on October 1.
The Stade du 28 Septembre has already hosted two major matches since its renovation. On September 13, Horoya AC played against JS Saoura of Algeria in the CAF Champions League, winning 3-1. Six days later, Hafia FC hosted AS Douanes of Mauritania in a Confederation Cup match, which was played in heavy rain. Both matches tested the stadium's facilities, but the outcome was a success.
GUICOPRES BTP, the company behind the renovation, has been praised for its work. The company's CEO, Kerfalla Camara, presented the measures taken to meet the CAF's requirements during a visit to the stadium in July. The Guinean Minister of Youth and Sports, Cellou Baldé, also visited the stadium, expressing satisfaction with the progress made.
The Syli National will play its first match at the Stade du 28 Septembre on October 1, against Kenya in the second round of CAN 2027 qualifiers. This match marks a major milestone for Guinean football, which has been without its national stadium for several years. The match will be a celebration of the stadium's reopening and a chance for the team to reconnect with its fans.
Key points
- The Stade du 28 Septembre has been renovated to meet international standards, with a new natural grass pitch and improved facilities.
- GUICOPRES BTP, the company behind the renovation, has been praised for its work in delivering a stadium that meets the requirements of FIFA and CAF.
- The Syli National will play its first match at the Stade du 28 Septembre on October 1, against Kenya in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.
