Two years ago, Guinea made their debut at the IHF Women's U20 World Championship. At Slovenia 2022, the African side took the 23th position, claiming a historic first win at this level against India and also getting a 10:0 victory against Austria, who had to withdraw from the tournament.

Now the Guineans are heading into their second World Championship, as they booked their ticket to North Macedonia 2024 after winning bronze at the 2023 CAHF African Women's Junior Handball Championship.

In that tournament, which was staged in Tunisia, Guinea struggled in the semi-final against Egypt, losing 18:26, but they picked themselves up in the third-place encounter, beating home team Tunisia 36:31. It was actually only the second time that they finished on the podium in the continental tournament, after earning bronze in 2019.

Guinea's youth and junior teams have done well in the IHF Trophy Women in recent years, so the country certainly has some promising talents. At North Macedonia 2024, it will be hard for the African side to progress from Group G, where the European teams Portugal and Montenegro are seen as strong favourites. However, head coach Lansana Dinalo Camara and his players will at least try to beat Uzbekistan – and, if possible, also to create some surprises. 

Key players: Mabinty Bangoura (goalkeeper), Kadiatou Sankhon (right wing), Fatoumata Keita (line player)

Qualification: 3rd place at the 2023 CAHB African Women's Junior Handball Championship

History in the competition: 2022: 23rd

Group at North Macedonia 2024: Group G (Portugal, Montenegro, Guinea, Uzbekistan)