Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - The Guinean Islamic League ministry has directed Imams heading mosques in the country to begin prayers effective Friday for the success of the national team (Syli National) in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) finals scheduled 20 January-10 February 2006 in Egypt.

According to a news release issued to PANA in Conakry, these prayers should continue until the final victory of the Guinean national team, which has been placed in group C based in Alexandria together with Tunisia, South Africa and Zambia.

Syli National players left for Egypt late Wednesday onboard a chartered flight together with a large number of fans, a day after President Lansana Conte had handed over the national flag to the skipper, Dian Bobo Baldé.

"You are the ambassadors of Guinea. Go and valiantly defend your country and honour it. Football is simply a game, but those who play it must be devoted and show fair-play," General Lansana Conté told the players.

To win the trophy for football crazy Guineans, the president advised the players and their coach Patrice Neveu to be disciplined and resilient.

Later, the Syli National held a training session at the 28 September Stadium, which was shown live on Guinean Radio and Television.