Guinea 1-0 Equatorial Guinea: Last-gasp winner breaks Equatoguinean hearts
A 98th minute winner from Mohamed Bayo stole a win for Guinea over 10-men Equatorial Guinea.
Emilio Nsue’s second-half penalty miss proved costly for the Equatoguineans, who struggled to cope after Féderico Bikoro was dismissed in the 55th minute.
Bayo sparked rapturous celebration as he booked Guinea’s place in the quarterfinals with the last kick of the game, but the National Thunder were left heartbroken as their impressive AFCON campaign came to a bitter end.
Fouls outnumbered meaningful chances in a scrappy first-half during which neither side fully imposed themselves.
The Equatoguineans then suffered a major setback early in the second-half, when Bikoro was dismissed after a dangerous challenge on Bayo.
"Bruce Lee might have been proud of that one"
Federico Bikoro is SENT OFF after catching Mohamed Bayo in the ribcage with a high boot! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/1V0gKnHwsD
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 28, 2024
Despite being down to 10-men, the National Thunder received a golden opportunity to take the lead when Iván Salvador was brought down in the Guinean box during the 64th minute.
Nsue took aim from twelve yards after a lengthy VAR check, but his cushioned effort bounced out off the post.
The Guineans made their extra-man count with a period of late domination, but sharp goalkeeping from Jesús Owono kept the scores level until the dying minutes.
The game seemed destined for extra-time after these spurned chances, but Bayo had other ideas.
Arriving at the near-post, the forward guided Ibrahim Diakité’s cross beyond Owono to break Equatoguinean hearts.
What next for Guinea?
Guinea progress to face the victor from Egypt and DR Congo’s tie tonight.
Having shown their knockout nous in a cagey encounter today, Kaba Diawara’s side will be hopeful of reaching the final four.
Egypt are still without Mohamed Salah, but Mostafa Mohamed heroics have kept their hopes alive despite a stuttering start.
DR Congo emerged from Group F undefeated after a quietly impressive campaign, but the defensive solidity shown by Guinea today will instil confidence should they be tasked with keeping Brentford’s Yoane Wissa quiet.
Feature image credit: Ben Sutherland
