Guinea’s senior men’s national team took a giant step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the third straight tournament after a narrow 1-0 win over The Gambia in their second group game on Friday.
With a 1-1 draw against Cameroon in their opening game, Kaba Diawara’s side knew that a positive result will help their quest to make it to the Round of 16.
They continued to dominate as the first half progressed, and Diawara’s side came within inches of a breakthrough shortly after the half-hour mark when Mohamed Bayo swept a crisp first-time effort against the base of the post.
That proved to be the best chance of the opening period, as Baboucarr Gaye saved comfortably from a tame Bayo header to keep the scores level at the break.
Guinea carried their momentum into the early stages of the second half, but Gaye again stood firm in the Gambian goal, thwarting a dangerous low effort from Sekou Sylla.
The one-way traffic showed no signs of letting up, and the National Elephants finally made their pressure count in the 69th minute when Aguibou Camara stretched to convert from Morgan Guilavogui’s clever cut-back.
Determined to put the game beyond doubt, Guinea went in pursuit of a quickfire second, but Bayo was denied by the woodwork for a second time after lifting a delicate strike over the body of Gaye.
Grateful for that reprieve, the Scorpions pushed for a late equaliser with time ticking away, but despite a couple of half-chances, the Guinean rearguard held firm to secure victory, extending their impressive form to just one defeat in their last eight internationals (four wins and three draws).
The win moved Guinea to the second position in Group C with four points after two games, two points behind holders, Senegal, their next opponent.
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