AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Guinea Seeks Venue Change For South Africa Clash Over Security Concerns

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Guinea Seeks Venue Change For South Africa Clash Over Security Concerns

Sampson Adedeji

The Guinea Football Federation (Feguifoot) has officially written to the Confederation of African Football, requesting a change of venue for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against South Africa over security concerns linked to recent xenophobic attacks in the country, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Group qualifying fixture is scheduled to take place in September, but Guinea has expressed fears over the safety of its players, officials and supporters if the match is held in South Africa.

According to reports, Feguifoot cited the resurgence of xenophobic violence targeting African nationals in South Africa in recent months as the basis for its request.

The federation believes the current security situation could pose a risk to its delegation. The concerns come amid reports that countries including Nigeria and Ghana have repatriated some of their citizens following the reported attacks.

CAF is now expected to review the request before making a decision.

The African football governing body could either allow the match to go ahead in South Africa under enhanced security measures or order that the fixture be moved to a neutral venue.