January 18, (THEWILL) – Despite a shocking 2-1 setback to Zimbabwe at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Guinea will still qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
Kaba Diawara’s team started their final Group B match with one foot in the knockout stage, but Zimbabwe pulled off an upset in Yaounde on Tuesday to halt their 14-match losing streak.
Guinea had to wait for confirmation that the other game between Senegal and Malawi had ended in a 0-0 stalemate before knowing for certain that they would advance to the next round.
As a result, Senegal finished first in the group, ensuring that they will face one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament, while Malawi finished third behind Guinea due to an earlier loss to them.
In the 26th minute, captain Knowledge Musona rose unmarked to head home Never Tigere’s cross from six yards out for Zimbabwe, who had no hope of qualifying after losing their two prior games.
Two minutes before halftime, Kudakwashe Mahachi increased Zimbabwe’s lead, with goalkeeper Aly Keita grossly at fault for failing to keep out the midfielder’s strike from outside the penalty area.
Guinea came out of the break looking completely different, and four minutes into the second half, Naby Keita halved the deficit by surging forward and unleashing a rasping left-foot drive from outside the box that sailed into the far corner of the net.
Zimbabwe came under increasing pressure but held on for their first AFCON victory since 2006, while Syli Nationale would need to step up their game significantly if they are to make an impression in the knockout stages.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
