Guinea beat Gambia to close on AFCON last 16

Midfielder Camara, who plays his club football in Greece, swept home an assist from Morgan Guilavogui midway through the second half to decide the Group C contest in Ivorian capital Yamoussoukro. Guinea had been the more dangerous side despite again being without star striker Serhou Guirassy, just as they were for their opening 1-1 draw with Cameroon.

Mohamed Bayo, leading Guinea's attack in Guirassy's absence, hit the post in the first half for a side who are aiming to reach the knockout phase at a third consecutive Cup of Nations. The result leaves them second in the group on four points, two points behind reigning champions Senegal who defeated Cameroon 3-1 earlier to clinch their place in the knockout phase.

Guinea need just a draw against Senegal in their next match on Tuesday to guarantee qualification for the last 16, but a victory will see them progress as group winners. Gambia, surprise quarter-finalists two years ago, have no points but a win in their last group match against Cameroon could yet see them advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

 

January 19, 2024