AFCON 2023 ; Mohamed Bayo's late winner sends Guinea into the quarters with 1-0 win over Equitorial Guinea

Ivory Coast, 

Sunday, 28 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Guinea inflicted a last minute heartbreak for Equitorial Guinea as they striked them 1-0 to advance into the quarter finals of the African cup of Nations after a breathtaking match played on Sunday evening. 

It was the first time Guinea progressed into the quarter-finals since 2015.

Mohamed Bayo would have scored in just three minutes but his powerful strike kissed the side of the net.

The first half ended in a goalless draw as both teams ren dry on chances. 

Guinea though they had opened their score sheet until Mory Konaté's header from a free-kick was denied for an offside.

The major turning point saw Federico Bikoro shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Bayo, leaving Equatorial Guinea to play over 35 minutes with 10 men.

However, the setback didn't stop the tournament's wonders from attacking more which saw them earn a penalty after Iván Salvador was clipped in the box. 

AFCON top scorer was confident enough to take up the task from 12 yards as he stepped up in search of his 6th of the campaign , but struck the outside of the post despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, leaving the whole stadium in shock.

Guinea fell under pressure after the penalty scare and were forced into a vital substitution as they brought in Stuttgart’s 19-goal star striker Serhou Guirassy to help in search of a goal.

Guirassy almost did the obvious but his bullet header was brilliantly tipped over by Jesus Owono. 

The match almost seemed to be ending on a draw on regular time until Mohamed Bayo headed home at the near post to score his second goal, and only Guinea’s third of the entire tournament at the 98th minute sending the stadium into Shockwaves as Guinea marched into the quarters in incredible fashion .