January 11, (THEWILL) – Guinea won 1-0 against Malawi on Monday to get off to a winning, but underwhelming start at the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Issiaga Sylla’s exquisite goal was enough to secure the points, but they were made to fight hard by a team playing in only their third continental finals.
Malawi had the better of the early chances and would have gone ahead had Yamikani Chester maintained his cool and kept his feet when twice through on goal.
Sylla broke the deadlock after Jose Kante was found by a good ball from Liverpool’s Naby Keita. Ibrahima Conte hit the post with a header before Sylla broke the deadlock in the 35th minute.
Malawi captain Limbikani Mzava and Peter Banda were denied by experienced Guinea goalkeeper Aly Keita before halftime, as Malawi, ranked 129th in the world and unable to name a complete substitute bench, continued to threaten.
Guinea seized control of the game in the second half, despite a lack of opportunities, and tired to show something of the quality in the side before the final whistle. The result moved them closer to qualifying from Group B.
Yet, the level of their play, on the other hand, did little to justify the ratings that bookies placed on them in terms of their chances of impressing at the tournament. Coach Kaba Diawara will be hoping for better when they meet AFCON favourites Senegal on Friday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
