Mohamed Bayo secured a dramatic victory for Guinea, heading in the winning goal in the eighth minute of injury time to defeat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 1-0 on Sunday.
The last-16 encounter at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan was on the brink of heading into extra time when Bayo, who plays for the French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, scored a late winner.
The historic moment marked Guinea’s first-ever triumph in a Cup of Nations knockout tie. Previously, they were runners-up in 1976 when the final four teams played a round-robin format to determine the trophy winner. Guinea will now progress to the quarter-finals in Abidjan on Friday, facing either Egypt or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Equatorial Guinea, reduced to 10 men after midfielder Federico Bikoro was sent off in the 55th minute, will rue missed opportunities, especially when captain Emilio Nsue failed to convert a penalty in the second half. The match ended with Guinea celebrating amidst their exuberant fans, while Equatorial Guinea’s players slumped in disappointment.
Guinea faced challenges as coach Kaba Diawara opted to start without prolific VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy and former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita. Bayo, who replaced Guirassy, became a pivotal figure in the late stages of the game.
The match came alive in the second half, with Guinea’s Mory Konate’s headed goal disallowed for offside in the 53rd minute. Equatorial Guinea’s chances further dwindled when Bikoro received a red card for a reckless challenge on Bayo.
Despite the advantage of an extra man, Guinea struggled to break the deadlock. Equatorial Guinea won a penalty in the 67th minute, but Nsue, the top scorer of the competition, missed the chance to net his sixth goal by hitting the post and sending the ball wide.
The crucial moment arrived in the dying minutes of injury time when Bayo, displaying remarkable determination, headed in a cross by the impressive Ibrahim Diakite to secure Guinea’s historic victory.
Reported By AFP.
