A member of Guinea national football team dances at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: John Batanudde

Overview:

The Guinea convoy was driven straight to the team hotel at Sheraton By Four Points Kampala where they will be based for the tournament duration. They are housed in group C alongside the hosts Uganda, Niger, South Africa and Algeria.

The national team of Guinea for the belated CHAN 2024 tournament arrived in Uganda in the wee hours of Friday, 1st August 2025.

The delegation of 45 people comprised players, team officials and the media.

Members of Guinea national football team after completing the mandatory immigration procedure at Entebbe International Airport Uganda | Credit: John Batanudde

The West Africans touched down at Entebbe International Airport minutes after 2 AM and were taken through the mandatory immigration processes at the lakeside airport facility.

FUFA third vice president Owek. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, executive committee member Agnes Mugena led the Uganda protocol officials who welcomed the team, joined by Mark Namanya, the other members on the CHAN 2024 PAMOJA Local Organising Committee Uganda.

Guinea national team football players pose for a group photo with Uganda officials Agnes Mugena and Owek. Florence Nakiwala Kiyinji | Credit: John Batanudde

“We welcome our brothers from Guinea. They are warmly welcomed to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. This is the second team to come for the CHAN 2024 tournament after Niger. We still expect Algeria and South Africa,” Nakiwala remarked.

FUFA 3rd Vice president Owek. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi welcomes the Guinea national team football players at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: John Batanudde

An amazing performance from the Crane Performers mesmerised the Guinea delegation.

Virtually, the usually calm, cold nights at Entebbe International Airport were livened up with a vibrant performance of dancers, drummers, a gorilla-dressed gentleman (Patrick Olaupo) and a Stilt walker (with an elevated height) known as Abdul Katongole.

Stilt Walker Abdul Katongole dressed with the Guinea national flag entertains the guests | Credit: John Batanudde
Members of Guinea national football team dance at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: John Batanudde
Guinea national team arrive at Entebbe International Airport on Friday morning | Credit: David Isabirye

A member of the Guinea delegation excited many when he danced along with the Crane Performers before the group was led to the awaiting team bus under tight security.

The convoy was driven straight to the team hotel, Sheraton By Four Points Kampala, where they will be based for the tournament duration.

Members of Guinea national football team board the team bus at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: John Batanudde

Guinea is housed in group C alongside the hosts Uganda, Niger, South Africa and Algeria.

They open up their campaign against Niger on Monday, 4th August 2025 at the Mandela National Stadium (5 PM).

On 8th August 2025, Guinea will face Uganda Cranes under floodlights (8 PM kick-off) at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Guinea national football players and officials arrive at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: John Batanudde

Guinea will then face South Africa on Monday, 11th August 2025 at Namboole and wind up their campaign against North Africans Algeria on Friday, 15th August 2025.

This is the first time that three countries (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) are co-hosting the CHAN championship.

Aviation officials welcome Guinea team members at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: John Batanudde

CHAN only accommodates players who play in the domestic leagues of the participating countries.

A total of 19 countries will feature in the 8th edition of this tournament, brought forward from 2024 to 2025.

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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