Alhasssane Bangoura, captain of the Guinea national team, was the standout player in the 1-1 draw against Algeria in a CHAN 2024 group stage match held today. Despite his individual recognition, the player did not hide his frustration at the result, which leaves the team eliminated from the later stages of the tournament.
Playing as a right winger, Bangoura was a constant presence in Guinea’s attack. His speed, refined technique, and ability to create imbalances on the flanks were decisive, helping the team open the scoring at the 61st minute through Ismaël Camara. Beyond his offensive contributions, the captain displayed great tactical discipline, dropping back to assist in defense and actively participating in building attacking plays, making him a true driving force on the field. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, the second time he has received this honor in the tournament.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my teammates and the people of Guinea, who have supported us until now. Of course, I would have preferred to win the match to earn points and see how that would have benefited us in the tournament. Today, we lacked the finishing touch to convert our opportunities,” Bangoura said in the press conference, reflecting the frustration of the collective defeat despite his individual brilliance.
The winger, born on March 30, 1992, in Conakry, has a solid career in European clubs such as Rayo Vallecano and Granada, as well as in the Vancouver Whitecaps. Known for his explosive speed, one-on-one skills, and game vision, Bangoura has been a key figure for the Guinea national team, showing leadership and experience in every moment of the game.
Regarding the tournament, Bangoura admitted that Guinea’s greatest regret was failing to qualify due to losses in crucial matches: “We lost two important games that we could not afford to lose. There will undoubtedly be many regrets, but we will come back, learn our lessons, and work for the future.”
Even against an Algeria side that equalized in the 88th minute, Bangoura’s performance reinforces his status as a leader and reference point for Guinean football, confirming his ability to influence the game at decisive moments, even when fate does not favor his team.
Source:Cafonline