Guinea national football team facts for kids
The Guinea national football team, often called Syli National (which means "National Elephants" in French), represents the country of Guinea in international men's football. This team is managed by the Guinean Football Federation. While they have never played in the FIFA World Cup finals, they came very close to winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, finishing as runners-up. They have also reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations several times, including in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2015.
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Nickname(s) | Syli National (National Elephants) |
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Association | Guinean Football Federation | ||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | ||
Sub-confederation | WAFU (West Africa) | ||
Head coach | Michel Dussuyer | ||
Captain | Issiaga Sylla | ||
Most caps | Issiaga Sylla (87) | ||
Top scorer | Pascal Feindouno (31) | ||
Home stadium | Stade du 28 Septembre Stade Général Lansana Conté |
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FIFA code | GUI | ||
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FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 68 ![]() |
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Highest | 22 (August 2006, January 2007) | ||
Lowest | 123 (May 2003) | ||
Elo ranking | |||
Current | 91 ![]() |
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Highest | 23 (1977) | ||
Lowest | 125 (June 1996) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Ghana; 6 December 1958) |
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Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Guinea; 20 May 1972) |
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Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Zaire; 2 July 1972) |
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Africa Cup of Nations | |||
Appearances | 14 (first in 1970) | ||
Best result | Runners-up (1976) | ||
African Nations Championship | |||
Appearances | 3 (first in 2016) | ||
Best result | Third place (2020) | ||
Amílcar Cabral Cup | |||
Appearances | 18 (first in 1979) | ||
Best result | Champions (1981, 1982, 1987, 1988, 2005) |
Contents
Team History and Achievements
Guinea played its first football match on December 6, 1958, losing 6–1 to Ghana. In 1963, they tried to qualify for the 1963 Africa Cup of Nations. They won their qualifier against Nigeria but were later disqualified.
Their best performance came in the 1976 African Cup of Nations, where they finished second, just one point behind the champions, Morocco.
In 2001, FIFA, the world football body, temporarily banned Guinea from competitions. This was because of government interference in football. They returned to playing international matches in September 2002.
Guinea has often reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. They did so in 2004, 2006, and 2008. In 2012, they made history by scoring six goals in a single Africa Cup of Nations game, beating Botswana 6–1.
In 2016, the CAF allowed Guinea to play home games in their own country again. This happened after the World Health Organization declared Guinea free of the Ebola virus.
Team Uniforms
The Guinea national football team has had different companies make their uniforms over the years.
Kit provider | Period |
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2002 |
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2004 |
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2014–2016 |
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2017 |
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2018–2020 |
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2021–2022 |
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2022–present |
Recent Match Results
Here are some of Guinea's recent match results from the last year. Win Draw Loss Fixture
Matches in 2024
21 March 2024 FIFA Series | Guinea ![]() |
6–0 | ![]() |
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
22:00 SAST (UTC+3) | Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Referee: Ahmed Faisal Al-Ali (Jordan) |
25 March 2024 FIFA Series | Guinea ![]() |
5–1 | ![]() |
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
22:00 UTC+3 | Bean ![]() |
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Referee: Sami Ahmed Al-Jurays (Saudi Arabia) |
6 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Algeria ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Algiers, Algeria |
20:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Nelson Mandela Stadium Attendance: 32,000 Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) |
10 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Guinea ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
El Jadida, Morocco |
20:00 UTC+1 |
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Stadium: Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) |
6 September 2025 AFCON QF | DR Congo ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Kinshasa, DR Congo |
17:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Stade des Martyrs Referee: Mohamed Adel (Egypt) |
10 September 2025 AFCON QF | Guinea ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast |
16:00 UTC±0 | Stadium: Charles Konan Banny Stadium Referee: Jean Ouattara (Burkina Faso) |
12 October 2025 AFCON QF | Guinea ![]() |
4–1 | ![]() |
Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
16:00 UTC±0 |
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Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Referee: Clément Kpan (Ivory Coast) |
15 October 2025 AFCON QF | Ethiopia ![]() |
0–3 | ![]() |
Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
19:00 UTC±0 |
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Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) |
16 November 2025 AFCON QF | Guinea ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
18:00 UTC±0 | Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt) |
19 November 2025 AFCON QF | Tanzania ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
16:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Referee: Brighton Chimene (Zimbabwe) |
Matches in 2025
21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Guinea ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
21:00 UTC±0 | Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Referee: Andofetra Rakotojaona (Madagascar) |
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Uganda ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Kampala, Uganda |
19:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mandela National Stadium Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Somalia ![]() |
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September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Guinea ![]() |
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October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Mozambique ![]() |
v | ![]() |
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Guinea ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Team Coaches
Here is a list of the current coaching staff for the Guinea national football team.
Coaching History
Many different coaches have led the Guinea national football team over the years.
Petre Moldoveanu (1975–77)
Serge Devèze (1992–93)
Boro Primorac (1994)
Mykhaylo Fomenko (1994)
Volodymyr Muntyan (1995–98)
Henri Stambouli (1998–99)
Bruno Metsu (2000)
Bernard Simondi (2000–01)
Michel Dussuyer (2002–04)
Patrice Neveu (2004–06)
Robert Nouzaret (2006–09)
Titi Camara (2009)
Mamadi Souaré (2009–10)
Michel Dussuyer (2010–15)
Luis Fernández (2015–16)
Lappé Bangoura (2016–18)
Paul Put (2018–19)
Didier Six (2019–2021)
Kaba Diawara (2021–)
Current Players
These are the players who were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in March 2025. The number of games played (caps) and goals scored are correct as of March 21, 2025, after the match against Somalia.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Soumaïla Sylla | 15 March 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | GK | Moussa Camara | 27 November 1998 | 26 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | GK | Mory Keita | 13 July 2005 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Antoine Conte | 29 January 1994 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Issiaga Sylla | 1 January 1994 | 84 | 3 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Ibrahima Conté | 3 April 1995 | 31 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Mouctar Diakhaby | 19 December 1996 | 15 | 1 | ![]() |
12 | DF | Ibrahim Diakité | 31 August 2003 | 15 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Mohamed Ali Camara | 28 August 1997 | 25 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | DF | Dembo Sylla | 10 November 2002 | 10 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | DF | Sekou Sylla | 9 January 1999 | 14 | 0 | ![]() |
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6 | MF | Cheick Condé | 26 July 2000 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
7 | MF | Mady Camara | 28 February 1997 | 28 | 1 | ![]() |
14 | MF | Morlaye Sylla | 23 July 1998 | 37 | 8 | ![]() |
15 | MF | Seydouba Cissé | 10 February 2001 | 20 | 2 | ![]() |
18 | MF | Aguibou Camara | 20 May 2001 | 37 | 6 | ![]() |
23 | MF | Abdoulaye Touré | 3 March 1994 | 15 | 1 | ![]() |
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8 | FW | Algassime Bah | 12 November 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Serhou Guirassy | 12 March 1996 | 23 | 9 | ![]() |
10 | FW | Aliou Baldé | 12 December 2002 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Yadaly Diaby | 9 August 2000 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | FW | François Kamano | 2 May 1996 | 56 | 8 | ![]() |
20 | FW | Kandet Diawara | 10 February 2000 | 5 | 2 | ![]() |
Other Players Called Up Recently
These players have also been called to play for Guinea in the last 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Ousmane Camara | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Kémo Touré | 1 October 1998 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Ibrahim Koné | 5 December 1989 | 29 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
GK | Aly Keita | 8 December 1986 | 24 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
GK | Lassana Diakhaby | 1 May 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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DF | Saïdou Sow | 4 July 2002 | 28 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Naby Oularé | 6 August 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Julian Jeanvier | 31 March 1992 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Abdoulaye Sylla | 10 April 2000 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura | 5 January 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ibrahima Breze Fofana | 15 August 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Mohamed Soumah | 13 March 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ilaix Moriba | 19 January 2003 | 25 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Amadou Diawara | 17 July 1997 | 43 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Mory Konaté | 15 November 1993 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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FW | Mohamed Bayo | 4 June 1998 | 30 | 8 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Facinet Conte | 24 March 2005 | 6 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Ousmane Camara | 3 November 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Morgan Guilavogui | 10 March 1998 | 21 | 2 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
FW | Thierno Barry | 12 January 2000 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
FW | Bafodé Dansoko | 29 December 1995 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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Team Records
These tables show the players with the most appearances and the top goal scorers for Guinea. Players in bold are still active with Guinea.
Most Games Played
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
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1 | Issiaga Sylla | 86 | 3 | 2011–present |
2 | Pascal Feindouno | 85 | 30 | 1998–2012 |
3 | Ousmane N'Gom Camara | 73 | 2 | 1992–2005 |
4 | Kémoko Camara | 71 | 0 | 1994–2013 |
5 | Morlaye Soumah | 69 | 2 | 1988–2004 |
6 | Chérif Souleymane | 68 | 20 | 1964–1977 |
7 | Dianbobo Baldé | 67 | 2 | 2000–2012 |
8 | Naby Yattara | 61 | 0 | 2007–2019 |
9 | Fodé Mansaré | 60 | 8 | 2002–2010 |
10 | Titi Camara | 59 | 27 | 1991–2004 |
Top Goal Scorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
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1 | Ibrahima Kandia Diallo | 33 | 56 | 0.59 | 1960–1973 |
2 | Pascal Feindouno | 30 | 85 | 0.35 | 1998–2012 |
3 | Titi Camara | 27 | 59 | 0.46 | 1991–2004 |
4 | Mamadou Aliou Keïta | 22 | 31 | 0.71 | 1970–1981 |
5 | Chérif Souleymane | 20 | 68 | 0.29 | 1964–1977 |
6 | Souleymane Youla | 19 | 40 | 0.48 | 1999–2009 |
7 | Fodé Camara | 14 | 42 | 0.33 | 1988–2002 |
8 | Ismaël Bangoura | 13 | 52 | 0.25 | 2006–2015 |
9 | Ibrahima Sory Keita | 12 | 36 | 0.33 | 1967–1977 |
Mohamed Yattara | 12 | 38 | 0.32 | 2009–2019 |
Tournament History
Guinea has competed in many football tournaments. Here's how they've done in some of the major ones.
FIFA World Cup
Guinea has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | ||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Did not enter | Declined participation | |||||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Declined participation | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | ||||||||
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7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 7 | |||||||||
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6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 4 | |||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||
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6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 7 | |||||||||
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8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 15 | 9 | |||||||||
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Disqualified | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||
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Did not qualify | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 13 | ||||||||
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12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 19 | |||||||||
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6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 8 | |||||||||
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8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 14 | |||||||||
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6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 11 | |||||||||
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Qualifications in progress | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
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Total | — | 0/16 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 87 | 37 | 15 | 35 | 123 | 113 |
Africa Cup of Nations
Guinea has played in the Africa Cup of Nations many times, with their best finish being runners-up in 1976.
Africa Cup of Nations record | Africa Cup of Nations qualification record | ||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Not affiliated to CAF | Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||||||||
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Disqualified | Disqualified | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||
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4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | |||||||||
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Group stage | 6th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 5 | |
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Did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||
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Group stage | 5th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | |
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Runners-up | 2nd | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 6 | |
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Did not qualify | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | ||||||||
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Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 7 | |
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Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | |||||||||
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4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |||||||||
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6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||
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Group stage | 11th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 4 | |
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Did not qualify | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 9 | ||||||||
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Group stage | 9th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
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Did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | ||||||||
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Disqualified | Disqualified | |||||||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 7th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 3 | |
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Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 10 | |
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Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 3 | |
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Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 5 | ||||||||
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Group stage | 9th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 5 | |
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Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 8 | |
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Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||
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Round of 16 | 16th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 4 | |
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Round of 16 | 14th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 5 | |
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Quarter-finals | 8th | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 7 | |
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Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 5 | ||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
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Total | Runners-up | 14/35 | 52 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 65 | 72 | 141 | 65 | 38 | 38 | 205 | 147 |
African Nations Championship
This tournament is for players who play in their home country's league. Guinea has done well here too.
African Games
The African Games is a big sports event for African countries.
Amílcar Cabral Cup
This is a regional tournament for West African nations. Guinea has won it five times!
Other Tournament Records
Guinea has also competed in other smaller tournaments.
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
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Third place | 3rd | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
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Champions | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
Total | 2 Titles | 2/2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 7 |
Team Honours
Here are the awards and titles the Guinea national football team has won.
Continental Awards
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Regional Awards
Friendly Tournament Awards |
- This competition is organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. FIFA does not officially recognize it.
Summary of Senior Competitions
Senior Competitions | ![]() |
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Total |
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CAF African Cup of Nations | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Guinea para niños