The Man of the match of the Round of 16 clash between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea, Ibrahim Diakite have dedicated his goal to his mother after helping Kaba Diawara’s side to a last gasp 1-0 win at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Daikite provided the assist for Serhou Guirassy late winner which proved effective against the ten player Nzalang Nacional at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday.
Equatorial Guinea were awarded a penalty after Iván Salvador was clipped in the box, and only one man was going to take it. Nsue stepped up, but struck the outside of the post despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, leaving the whole stadium in shock.
Diakite expressed his happiness after being voted the player of the match while dedicating the prize to his mother.
“Any member of the the could have received the award,” Diakite told journalists after the game.
“Having this award is something great. It means I did a good match. I dedicate this to my mother because we have went through a lot. After what we have been through I think she deserve it.
“Of course it was very tough match, we had to play the game till the last minute. We will continue to play like that during our next games.
“Of course it was but complicated. Equatorial Guinea team were playing very hard and we were having troubles. My objective and duty was to put the ball in the penalty boxes then my teammate was able to score the score.”
The Stade de Reims forward also opined that the victory was for the entire people of Guinea after securing their first knockout win at the AFCON since 1976.
“It is quite incredible because our victory today is historic because it is a gift to the people.” He added. “We had some frown faces during our last game. We are very glad to give them this smile back.
“In the first half, we had a lot of difficulties to manoeuvre the Equatorial Guinea team. Later we were able to get ourselves and turn up the situation.
“We can play against anyone. Whoever is our opponents, we are ready to play against them.
“I think our coach told us to continue the way we have been playing and we implement that.
“There were some turning points. I am here to play my game since I was selected because I have qualities to show.
“Thanks to your unwavering support that we have got to this stage. It is as if you were on the field with us.” He concluded.
Guinea will face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the quarter final on February 2, 2024, at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Ebimpe, Abidjan.
Copyright©2024 kick442.com-Cote d’Ivoire
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
English 
French