Mohamed Bayo secured a dramatic last-minute victory for Guinea, propelling them into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 1-0 triumph over 10-man Equatorial Guinea.
The match appeared headed for extra time until Bayo headed in Ibrahim Diakite’s cross with just 22 seconds remaining in the last of eight minutes of stoppage time.
The game witnessed a prolonged VAR check, resulting in Equatorial Guinea being awarded a penalty for a foul by Sekou Sylla on Iban Salvador. However, captain Emilio Nsue’s spot-kick struck the base of the post.
The first half was characterized by a lack of goal-scoring opportunities, with an early shot from Bayo narrowly missing the target. The intensity increased in the second half, with Nsue squandering a chance and Guinea having a goal disallowed for offside.
The dynamics shifted when Equatorial Guinea’s Federico Bikoro received a red card for a high-footed challenge, reducing them to 10 men. Despite the numerical advantage, Guinea struggled to capitalize. Equatorial Guinea had an opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot, but Nsue’s shot hit the post.
Guinea’s numerical superiority didn’t translate into clear chances until Bayo’s late heroics. His well-timed header secured the victory and a spot in the quarter-finals, ending a tense encounter in Abidjan.