From our special correspondent in Yamoussoukro – Kaba Diawara’s Guinea beat Tom Saintfiet’s Gambia (1-0) on Friday at the Yamoussoukro stadium. A victory which leaves them second in Group C before the match against Senegal and allows them to glimpse the round of 16 of CAN 2024.
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Serious, collective and diligent, Guinea beat Gambia on Friday January 19 and took a step towards the round of 16 (1-0) of the African Cup of Nations (CAN). With a smooth start to the tournament, they will enter their third match in second position in Group C against Senegal, already qualified.
The Gambia has not yet faced many opponents in a CAN final phase. But the Scorpions, who are only playing their second competition there, have already crossed paths with Guinea. It was in 2022, during a round of 16 which saw Tom Saintfiet’s men win.
Two years later, the surprise effect has worn off. Gambia’s opponents are warned: they should not be taken lightly even if the Scorpions are less spicy having lost a few executives like Mohamed Jallow Mbye, their midfield boss.
A match without enthusiasm for 30 minutes
Both teams started the game cautiously. They control the ball one after the other. A match without enthusiasm, which even draws a few yawns from the followers still recovering from Senegal’s demonstration against Cameroon.
We need a cover from Mohamed Bayo to wake everyone up. The Le Havre striker saw his attempt fail on the post while Baboucarr Gaye was clearly beaten (33rd). The former Clermontois shakes the coconut tree of the meeting and Guinea finally evolves a notch higher and multiplies the situations.
After the break, the national Syli began to lay siege to the Gambian area, even if the best chances came from the multiplication of corners and free kicks. However, the tireless Omar Colley watches over his men and tirelessly repels the attacks.
The match almost changed at the hour mark. Sekou Sylla collapsed in front of Gaye. The referee does not whistle and the Gambian goalkeeper pushes for the Guinean to be sanctioned for simulation. In vain (62nd).
Camara unlocks the match
Aware of his team’s difficulties, Tom Saintfiet brings a little new blood. Minteh enters and immediately shines. On the left side, he fixes his defender and hits from a tight angle. Koné pushes back with difficulty with both fists (67th).
An alert on his goal which serves as a trigger for Guinea: on a splendid collective movement on the right side, Aguibou Camara is found by Guilavogui in the area. The attacker skillfully slides the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs (69th, 1-0).
Aguibou Camara is really one of the discoveries of this start of the competition. Do we know why Lille let go of the player in 2021? We have to get him out of the Greek quagmire, he deserves better. In both matches I see real qualities in him. pic.twitter.com/4j0Ryxnaqg
— Najim Medini (@NajimMedini) January 19, 2024
Untenable on his right side, Lensois Guilavogui this time launches Mohamed Bayo into the area. But Le Havre found one of the goals for the second time in the evening (74th).
Guinea opens the door to the round of 16 but Gambia twice fails to slam it in their face. Launched by Omar Colley, Mintheh thought to score but saw his goal refused for offside (81st). A volley from Ablie Jallow then found Kone’s outside net (84th). Then, it was Guinea’s turn to provide two heated situations in stoppage time.
Read alsoFind the classification of group C
Despite the efforts, the score no longer moves. With 4 points in two matches, Guinea can be satisfied. She is second in group C and sees the round of 16: with this total, she should at worst be drafted among the best thirds and at best steal her place as leader in Senegal.
