AFCON 2021: Guinea Edge Out Unlucky Malawi In Narrow Win

A first half goal from Sylla Issiaga was enough to secure all three points for Guinea against Malawi in their opening game of the AFCON 2021 on Monday.

Prior to the game, Malawi confirmed a Covid outbreak within their squad which saw up to 13 members unavailable. Indeed, the Flames could only name four players on the bench that included two goalkeepers.

Despite the setback, Malawi started the match as the livelier team, creating chances but failing to inflict any damage on Guinea.

Chester Yamikani came close to putting the Flames ahead after dancing past defenders to put himself in one-on-one position with the Guinea goalkeeper but the forward could not find the target.

Guinea also had a very good chance of their own when a corner from Aguibou Camara was headed off the woodwork by Ibrahima Conte.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute of the game when Sylla Issiaga was picked out by Jose Kante.

Issiaga maintained his composure in the box to bury the ball at the back of the net.

Malawi had the chance to equalise just before half time via Peter Banda but the midfielder’s effort was saved by Aly Keita in the Guinea goal.

Also Read:

• AFCON 2021: Senegal 1-0 Zimbabwe – Mane Saves Senegal In Stoppage Time
• AFCON 2021: Cape Verde Defeat 10-man Ethiopia
• AFCON 2021: Cameroon 2-1 Burkina Faso – Stallions Punished For Cheap Penalties

Aguibou Camara’s effort in stoppage time almost doubled his side’s lead. However, he was denied by the Flames goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe.

Both sides had their fair share of chances in the second half just like in the first.

There were penalty appeals by Guinea players who felt they should have had a penalty when Jose Kante went down inside the box, however, the referee was uninterested.

Guinea goalkeeper Aly Keita was called upon again, making a glorious save to deny Khuda Muyaba an equaliser for Malawi.

A couple of missed chances by both sides made sure neither side was able to get on the scoresheet as the game ended 1-0 in favour of Guinea.

The win sees Guinea move level with Senegal on three points at the top of Group B after the latter beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in their opener thanks to a stoppage time penalty by Sadio Mané earlier on Monday.

The top two nations will battle it out at the same venue on Friday in the next round of fixtures.

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