Guinea: Is Hafia FC equipped to go back to back?

Held to a goalless draw by Renaissance FC (0-0), Hafia FC (19 points) missed a golden chance to pull clear at the top of the league after rivals Horoya AC lost at home to AS Kaloum (0-1, matchday 10). A draw, admittedly, but one that keeps them top. Inside the club's hierarchy, they say they are not entirely happy with the situation. Marco Ibrahima is the club's general secretary. “We are leaders, we have to admit that. We are 60, 70% satisfied on certain points. But with all the resources we have and given the infrastructure we have, the general feeling is that we should have pulled clear. We are leaders on goal difference,” laments the club's general secretary.

“Overall, in terms of play, we are satisfied. The most important thing is to keep up the pace. Between now and the end of the first half of the season, we will keep setting a new standard.” He is, however, aiming higher. “It's true that we are leaders on goal difference. But there are things to improve. And we are going to get to work on them straight away”, promises Marco Ibrahima Sory Bah.

 

An encouraging trip to the savannah

 

Having ended Horoya AC's dominance, and with it a run of eight consecutive league titles, Hafia FC want to become the new powerhouse of Guinean football. With the title won ahead of Horoya AC, the club have big ambitions. To that end, they already intend to defend their title. It is a difficult task, but the foundations have been laid. Buoyed by that momentum, the club have recorded convincing results in a region that is usually hostile, the club's general secretary points out. “We travelled well in the Mandingue region, which hadn't happened for quite a while. We went and beat Milo FC, even though we lost to SAG”, says a delighted Marco Ibrahima Sory Bah.

Since the start of the season, Hafia FC have indeed notched convincing wins, notably against Milo FC (4-3) and Flamme Olympique (4-1). Those results have kept the club top of the league. For Hafia FC's general secretary, it is the fruit of the new direction taken by the club since businessman Kerfalla Camara KPC bought it in 2013. “That is the aim. We are Hafia, after all. With all the infrastructure we have, all the players we have and the conditions, we must repeat that feat. It is an objective we are working on relentlessly”, reassures Marco Ibrahima Sory Bah. Unbeaten against clubs such as Horoya AC and CI Kamsar, the club are aiming for back to back.

Hafia FC's optimism stems from the experience gained in recent seasons, both domestically and on the continental stage. “We have learned to handle the big games. Last season, we held a big club like Wydad Casablanca to a draw. That isn't something everyone can do. It's that kind of match that teaches you how to approach big games. And in that respect, we think we have matured”, says the club's general secretary.

To give themselves the best chance in the run-in, Hafia FC have already started scouting. New signings are expected, announces Marco Ibrahima Sory Bah. “We are three matchdays from the end of the first half of the season. We have just come out of a planning meeting of the executive committee. A few players who have shown good things in the first part of the season will join the club. We are working relentlessly on two or three deals. I think that will allow us to maintain this momentum”, hopes the club's general secretary.

In recent seasons, only Horoya AC have managed to retain the league title, doing so for eight seasons in a row. It remains to be seen whether Hafia FC, who have big ambitions, will have the shoulders to cope with the competition and defend their title. They had not won the Guinean league title since 1985.

 

Mamadou Gongorè DIALLO