Guinea left it late but ultimately booked their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals after a dramatic 1-0 victory over 10-man Equatorial Guinea in a tightly-contested game at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday
A last-gap header from Mohamed Bayo ended the dream of Equatorial Guinea, who earlier missed a penalty.
The game was poised for extra time until Bayo rose to head in Ibrahim Diakite’s cross in the 97th minute, breaking Equatoguinean hearts.
Equatorial Guinea’s task was made harder when midfielder Federico Bikoro was dismissed on the hour mark for a dangerous challenge on Bayo.
Down to 10 men, Equatorial Guinea were handed a lifeline when awarded a penalty after Sekou Sylla fouled Iban Salvador in the box in the 69th minute after a VAR review
But captain Emilio Nsue struck the post with his effort, squandering the golden opportunity to take the lead.
Guinea had struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage until Bayo popped up late on to clinch a quarterfinal spot.
Chances were limited in the opening half. Equatorial Guinea threatened on a couple of occasions but were denied by Guinea’s resolute defense, marshalled by Mikel Coco. The first 45 minutes ended goalless.
The second half saw the game open up marginally but the scoreline remained deadlocked.
The win sets up a tasty last eight clash with DR Congo, who dramatically beat Egypt 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Guinea will fancy their chances having shown grit and determination to grind out the win. Keeper Jesus Owono made a crucial late save to deny Serhou Guirassy as Equatorial Guinea battled valiantly.
But Bayo’s last-gasp header booked Guinea’s first quarterfinal appearance since 2015 after a seventh knockout stage exit. The late strike at 97 minutes and 38 seconds is the latest AFCON knockout winner ever.
Equatorial Guinea had reached at least the quarter-finals on their previous three appearances at Afcon, but Juan Micha’s side could not repeat that achievement as 34-year-old Nsue was left to rue his costly miss while Guinea celebrated at the final whistle.
Guinea, managed by one-time Arsenal striker Kaba Diawara, had finished behind holders Senegal and Cameroon but progressed to the knockout stages as one of four best-ranked third-placed sides.
