Guinea Off to a Winning Start

Guinea got their 14th African Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start as they pinned Malawi 1-0 at the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam on Monday evening.

Issiaga Sylla’s lone goal in the 35th minute became the ultimate decider, as the Elephants sealed the crucial three points.

Sylla got the curtain raiser after connecting Jose Kante in the area before making his way through to the perfect position to place the ball in the bottom corner of Malawi’s goalpost.

Guinea became the third West African side to secure a win, joining Cape Verde and Senegal that got all three points in their opening matches.

The Guineans also have goalkeeper Aly Keita to thank as the goalie made a couple of saves to deny Malawi during the match.

Skipper Naby Keita was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. He became the second Liverpool player to win the individual match accolade joining his teammate Mane who was also won the award in Senegal’s 1-0 win against Zimbabwe, courtesy of Mane’s late penalty.

Both Keita and Mane will face each other on Friday in a group-leaders decider match when Guinea battle Senegal in Group B second round of matches.

The last meeting meeting both teams at AFCON was in 2006. Senegal defeated Guinea 3-2 in the quarterfinals.

How they lined up:

Guinea : A.Keita; Conte, M.Camara (Cisse 46′), Sow (O.Kante 71′), Sylla, Kane, Diawara, N.Keita, A.Camara, Bayo (Kaba 80′), J.Kante (Diallo 71′).

Malawi: Kakhobwe, Chirwa, Mzava, Chembezi, Idana, P.Banda (Kalima 80′), J.Banda, Madinga, Mhone, Muyaba, Chester (Mbulu 65′).