Guinea secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a last-gasp winner against Equatorial Guinea.
The game, which seemed destined for extra time, was decided in the last minute of stoppage time when Mohamed Bayo scored a crucial header.
Equatorial Guinea had earlier missed a penalty, with Emilio Nsue’s attempt hitting the post. Additionally, Federico Bikoro was sent off, leaving Equatorial Guinea with 10 players on the field. The 1-0 victory propelled Guinea into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Egypt vs. DR Congo match.
The match was relatively uneventful in the first half, but the intensity increased in the second half. The turning point came when Federico Bikoro received a red card for a high tackle, reducing Equatorial Guinea to 10 men. Despite being a player down, Equatorial Guinea pressed for the opening goal but missed a penalty opportunity.
In the dying moments of the game, Mohamed Bayo rose to the occasion, beating his defender and heading the ball into the net from Ibrahim Diakite’s right-wing cross. With no time left for Equatorial Guinea to respond, Guinea advanced to the quarterfinals, while Equatorial Guinea exited the competition.
Guinea will now await the outcome of the Egypt vs. DR Congo match to determine their quarterfinal opponent in the Africa Cup of Nations.
