Guinea’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey ended in the quarterfinals after losing 3-1 to the Democratic Republic of Congo last Friday.Yet, the Syli National’s return home was heroic, with thousands of their supporters lining the streets of Conakry to receive them last Sunday.##NAJAVA_MECA_7845178##Led by skipper and former Liverpool FC midfielder Naby Keita, the team’s journey concluded at Mohamed V Palace in Conakry, where the national flag was handed back to President Mamady Doumbouya.“As per instructions received during the handing over of the flag in December 2023, the players and staff returned the tricolor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea,” a statement reads.Guinea’s campaign at the 34th edition of the biennial continental tournament included a 1-1 draw against Cameroon, a 1-0 win over The Gambia, and a 2-0 loss to defending champions Senegal at the group level.FKFPL Week 20 Preview: Gor Mahia unblemished run halted as Leopards carry on with good runThe Syli National edged out favorites Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in the round of 16 to book a spot in the quarterfinals. However, their dream of progressing further came to a disappointing conclusion after losing 3-1 to the DRC.Guinea have never won the biggest football prize in Africa, with their best outing being a runners-up finish at the 1976 edition, which Morocco won.The 2023 AFCON, taking place in Ivory Coast, took a break after the quarterfinals and will resume on Wednesday.Nigeria will face South Africa for a spot in the final, while the hosts, chasing a third title, will be up against the DRC.The tournament has been full of surprises, with some of the teams that were considered favorites already eliminated.Defending champions, against all expectations, were sent home by Ivory Coast in the round of 16, the same fate as Morocco, the continent’s highest-ranked team, who crashed out at the hands of South Africa.Bouake – From war-torn streets to the glittering stage of CAF AFCON
