Africa : Guinea qualifies for the quarter-finals of the CAN 2023 thanks to a goal at the end of the match
Guinea secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by winning their Round of 16 match against Equatorial Guinea with a score of 1-0. The match, played this Sunday, was marked by increasing intensity throughout.
The lone goal of the game was scored in added time by Mohamed Bayo, securing victory for the Syli National. The hero of the day executed a precise header on a well-worked cross from Ibrahim Diakité, sealing the fate of the match in the 90+8th minute.
In contrast to previous Round of 16 matches, the encounter between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea started with less animation, with the game becoming increasingly fragmented over time. The first half concluded with a goalless score of 0-0, despite a clear opportunity for Guinea in the 44th minute, where Aguibou Camara failed to convert a well-orchestrated counter-attack.
The second half saw Equatorial Guinea creating a significant chance early in the 47th minute, but Emilio Nsue missed the target with a volley in the penalty area. Guinea responded in the 51st minute with a disallowed goal by Konaté for offside. However, Equatorial Guinea suffered a setback in the 59th minute with the expulsion of Féderico Bikoro, reducing their squad to 10 players.
Despite this, Equatorial Guinea was awarded a penalty in the 67th minute, but Nsue unfortunately missed his attempt by hitting the right post of the opposing goalkeeper. Guinea then dominated the rest of the match, creating several opportunities, but most were thwarted by goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
As extra time seemed inevitable, Mohamed Bayo emerged in added time to score with a header, giving Guinea the crucial victory. With this result, Guinea qualifies for the quarter-finals where they will face the Democratic Republic of Congo. A tough break for Equatorial Guinea, exiting the competition after a courageous journey.
