Guinea seeks neutral AFCON venue

by OKORO CHINEDU
LAGOS, (CAJ News) — GUINEA has reportedly written to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requesting that its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against South Africa be moved to a neutral venue, citing concerns over the country’s ongoing xenophobic violence.

Guinea, drawn in Group D alongside hosts South Africa, Kenya and Eritrea, is said to have expressed fears for the safety of its players, officials and supporters.

The request follows continued attacks on African migrants in South Africa, where foreign nationals have been assaulted, killed, displaced and had their businesses looted.

The reported letter, which has circulated widely on social media, sparked strong reactions from football supporters across the continent, with many expressing sympathies for Guinea’s position.

Some commentators questioned whether South Africa should continue hosting continental football matches while the violence persists.

“Why should South Africa be playing in AFCON? I don’t get it. They are not African,” wrote social media user Skrtel Bray.

Another commentator, Cholo Ericmumo, said: “South Africans are yet to understand the rift they started. It has not yet occurred to them that the damage is irreversible.”

Samuel Bila supported Guinea’s concerns, writing: “I agree with them. When you have angry mobs led by people who have failed politically and are now running vigilante groups, you don’t know who their next target could be.”

David Jabulani Ncube added: “As football fans, we no longer feel safe travelling to South Africa because of the ongoing xenophobic attacks. Both CAF and FIFA should consider suspending South Africa from hosting or participating in international football competitions.”

Others dismissed Guinea’s concerns.

Buhle Qbheka argued: “Their embassy is operating normally in South Africa. They will only be here for a short period, so why are they worried? Or are they planning to seek asylum after the match?”

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades.

In 2008, at least 63 African migrants were killed and more than 300,000 people displaced during one of the country’s deadliest episodes of anti-foreigner violence.

Further unrest erupted in 2022, particularly in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, where widespread looting affected businesses owned by both foreign nationals and South Africans, leaving several people dead, injured or homeless.

Fresh attacks reported in 2026 have again resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement and widespread destruction of migrant-owned businesses.

Reports indicate that the violence was continuing as of 23 July 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of visiting teams and supporters ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

– CAJ News