PARIS- This is his first outing since the election of the new executive committee of the Guinean football federation in January 2024. Abdoul Karim Bangoura “AKB”, who was in the running to lead the federation, unfortunately did not see his objective achieved for the benefit of Bouba Sampil, elected for a 4-year term.
Since then, the former Guinean international has observed the situation and development of Guinean football from afar. After the latest developments linked to the elimination of Syli National by Tanzania and the claim made by Guinea following a failure by Tanzania, the former captain of Syli breaks the silence in this exclusive interview which granted to Guineefoot. From his relationship with Bouba Sampil, through dissidence in the Guinean football federation, AKB tells us everything.
*On the application of Guinea against Tanzania….
AKB : I think this complaint may succeed. If there is a small chance, it must be exploited as much as possible, but the federation alone, I doubt, will have the backbone strong enough to go all the way. It is a legal fight which is coming and which the federation can win even if Guinea does not participate in the CAN. If CAF decides against Guinea, Féguifoot can always continue until they win. I call on the political authorities, especially the government, to support the federation in this fight. It’s a question of honor. Guinea has been eliminated in the past for breaking the rules. Today, if we too can benefit from this mistake by the Tanzanians, why deprive ourselves of it. If Guinea qualifies, it will appease the population because football is a popular mass sport which has a great impact on the morale of the Guineans that we are. I remember, the federation at the time had filed a complaint with FIFA. And on the day of the confrontation, the lawyer who had been paid to defend Guinea was represented, even though he had been paid. Under the pretext that he could not be in confrontation with a friend. Something which revolted me and which I denounced, but unfortunately it was not me who decided. Today, we must all support Féguifoot in its legitimate approach so that the complaint is successful..
*On the elimination of Syli…on the ground…
AKB : We are all disappointed with this elimination, but Tanzania deserve their qualification in terms of results against Guinea, because they beat us back and forth. But, it is completely normal for Féguifoot to file a complaint and make a claim, if there is a flaw noted. She is within her rights. CAF competitions are governed by rules that must be respected, if the federation thinks that it can succeed, it is within its full right to file a complaint..
*On the current situation of Guinean football…
AKB: Everyone agrees that today the situation in our football is very complicated. To the extent that, in terms of the results of national teams, clubs, and even training, it is very, very complicated. Not to say it’s catastrophic. In terms of training, nothing is done, we only focus on the national A team, so there is a big problem.
*On his relationship with Bouba Sampil
AKB : It’s true that President Bouba Sampil asked me. Yes I confirm it, we had a fraternal exchange, but I prefer to keep the content because it was a private call.
*On the crisis of confidence between the members of the Comex..
AKB : As for the bickering between the president of the federation and the other members, it is not surprising. For everyone in the industry, they knew it was going to be complicated. Despite everything, those who voted for Bouba Sampil wanted to give him a chance. On what basis did they vote to elect this team? Was it because of the governance program, or something else? Those who today want the president of the federation to leave, are they better than him? For me, no. They are all the same it’s white bonnet, white bonnet. Far from me the idea of defending Bouba Sampil or feguifoot, but it’s the same mafia that runs and continues. Personal quarrels must stop because it is not in the interest of Guinean football. I stand by the speech of the president of the federation upon his election. Bringing everyone together, the rebuilding of our football. Unfortunately, this is not what we see today. Comex members should first think about Guinea. Our internal problems will be resolved afterwards, it is clear that afterwards the responsibilities must be located in, who did what? or who didn’t do what, in order to learn lessons. But the most urgent thing today is to see how the request against Tanzania will succeed. Once again, I call on the political authority to take an interest in the federation.
No approved stadium, Guinea always plays away…
Where the Guinean State puts its money, it must have an eye and ask itself the question why it is not working, and why we always play away. It is the job of the State to build stadiums for our national teams to play at home. Today, it’s really shameful that we have continued to play at other people’s houses for 3 years.
Interview conducted by Mohamed LAMINE TOURÉ
