Guinea falls to New Zealand in Paris Olympic opener

By Asuquo

Posted on July 24, 2024

Guinea suffered a 1-2 defeat against New Zealand in their opening game at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France on Wednesday, July 24.

The match, held at the Allianz Riviera, saw New Zealand taking the lead in the 25th minute. Skipper Mathew Garbett found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, putting Guinea on the back foot. Despite Guinea’s efforts to equalize, New Zealand maintained their advantage as the teams headed into the halftime break.

The second half saw Guinea coming out with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off in the 72nd minute when Amadou Diawara scored, leveling the match. Diawara’s goal was a fitting reward for Guinea’s dominant performance throughout much of the game. The African side looked poised to push for a win, buoyed by their equalizer.

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However, their joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, New Zealand’s Ben Waine struck a powerful shot that found the back of the net, breaking Guinean hearts and securing maximum points for his team. Waine’s goal showcased his striking ability and was a decisive moment in the match.

Despite Guinea’s relentless pressure and possession, they were unable to find another equalizer. The match concluded with New Zealand taking all three points, a crucial win in Group A. Guinea will need to regroup and strategize for their upcoming matches to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

Group A action continues with a highly anticipated clash between France and the USA later in the evening. This game will further shape the dynamics of the group as teams vie for a place in the knockout stages. Guinea’s next match will be crucial as they seek to bounce back from this opening defeat and make their mark in the competition.