KAMPALA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Guinea opened its 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 win over Niger in Group C at Mandela National Stadium on Monday.
After a goalless first half, Mohamed Bangoura put Guinea ahead two minutes after the restart with a strike that beat Niger goalkeeper Mahamadou Tandja Djibrilla Kassali.
Guinea continued to press forward, but Niger's defense held firm. Niger's Nourou Yacouba Ali had a clear chance after 60 minutes but missed the target.
Guinea captain and goal scorer Bangoura praised his teammates after the win. "I thank all my fellow players for the good teamwork that has seen us secure three important points," Bangoura told Xinhua.
Niger coach Harouna Doula Gabde expressed disappointment. "We had some good chances but failed to take them. We need to remain focused and work hard ahead of our remaining group matches," he said.
The result leaves Guinea second in Group C behind Algeria, who beat Uganda 3-0. Niger sits fourth in the five-team group.
Elsewhere, Tanzania opened the tournament Saturday with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso, while Kenya defeated DR Congo 1-0 on Sunday. Morocco beat Angola 2-0, and Madagascar and Mauritania played to a goalless draw.
The CHAN tournament features players who compete for clubs in their home countries. ■
