The Hafia FC's African campaign came to an abrupt end on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, Guinea. The team lost 1-0 to Mauritanian side AS Douanes in the return leg of the Confederation Cup preliminary round. This result meant that Hafia FC was eliminated, despite having secured a 2-2 draw in the away leg. The team's coach, Cheick Guèye, expressed his disappointment and apologized to the Guinean people for the loss.
Coach Cheick Guèye, a Senegalese tactician, attributed the team's elimination to their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. He stated that despite having several easy chances, his team failed to score, while AS Douanes managed to find the net with their only shot on target. Guèye described the winning goal as a "stroke of luck," resulting from a free kick that sailed over the wall and into the net.
Guèye took full responsibility for the team's failure, stating that as the coach, he was accountable for the team's performance and player selection. He emphasized that he was not making excuses and accepted that the team's defeat was a collective failure. The coach expressed his gratitude to the fans who braved the difficult weather conditions to support the team.
The Hafia FC, a three-time African champion, had high hopes of progressing in the competition, particularly given their home advantage. However, their inability to score and defensive lapses led to their downfall. AS Douanes, on the other hand, celebrated their qualification for the next round, where they will face CR Belouizdad.
Guèye urged his players to take responsibility for their actions and to learn from their mistakes. He emphasized that the team must accept their defeat and move forward, using the experience as a learning opportunity. The coach's reaction to the loss was one of disappointment and frustration, reflecting the team's high expectations.
The match was marked by challenging weather conditions, with rain and flooding in some areas of Conakry. Despite these conditions, the fans turned out in large numbers to support Hafia FC, adding to the team's disappointment at not being able to deliver a positive result.
The early exit from the Confederation Cup will be a significant disappointment for Hafia FC and their fans. The team's performance in the competition was expected to be a highlight of their season, and their elimination will undoubtedly lead to a period of reflection and evaluation for the team and its coaching staff.
Key points
- Coach Cheick Guèye takes responsibility for Hafia FC's elimination
- Hafia FC's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities costs them a spot in the next round
- The team's early exit from the Confederation Cup is a significant disappointment for fans and the team.
