Guinea President gives brutal ultimatum to AFCON squad

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya says Guinea players must either win the tournament or repay the government’s investment in the national team.

Guinea are in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Malawi, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will spearhead the National Elephants’ efforts to win the continental trophy. However, according to bookmakers, they are 40-1 outsiders to win the title.

Their best finish in the AFCON dates back to 1976 when they finished runner-ups to Morocco. However, Guinea President Colonel Mamady Doumbouya expects the team to exceed expectations this year.

“Bring back the trophy or bring back the money we invested in you. Period,”Doumbouya said (via Soccer 24).

Mamady Doumbouya 41, Guinea coup leader sworn in as president. He becomes Africa's second-youngest leader, after Mali's Assimi Goïta, 38, who also staged a military takeover pic.twitter.com/DX7cUCesBS
— Salim Kikeke (@Salym) October 1, 2021

Doumbouya’s armed forces ousted Alpha Conde’s government with a coup d’etat on September 5. According to BBC, European Union is planning to sanction Doumbouya and 24 other Guinean officials for alleged human rights abuses.

Guinea will start their AFCON campaign with a match against Malawi on January 10. The National Elephants will then face Senegal four days later as Keita faces his Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane. Kaba Diawara’s side will play their last group stage game on January 18.

In addition to Keita, Guinea have two more players in Europe’s top-five leagues. RB Leipzig youngster Illaix Moriba, who left Barcelona last summer, and Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara will also play for Guinea.