Guinea edge past Malawi at 2021 African Cup of Nations thanks to Issiaga Sylla goal
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Updated 10/01/2022 at 21:35 GMT
Issiaga Sylla scored the only goal of the game as Guinea beat Malawi in their opening Group B clash at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Sadio Mane netted for Senegal, who will face Guinea in their next match on Friday. Malawi will be hoping to get on the board in the group when they take on Zimbabwe.
Guinea forward Jose Kante (R) fights for the ball with Malawi defender Gomezgani Chirwa
Image credit: Getty Images
Guinea got their African Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start as they edged past Malawi.
Toulouse’s Issiaga Sylla scored the only goal of the game in the 35th minute, finishing from close range after good work in the box from Jose Kante.
In the other game in Group B, a 97th-minute penalty from Sadio Mane earned Senegal a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe.
Guinea, who were captained by Liverpool’s Naby Keita, face 2019 runners-up Senegal on Friday while Malawi take on Zimbabwe.
Even though Sylla was the match-winner for Guinea, goalkeeper Aly Keita was the standout player as he made several saves to deny Malawi.
Yamikani Chester shot straight at Keita after being played through early in the game before Ibrahima Conte headed against the post at the other end.
Sylla broke the deadlock before half-time, sweeping in after Kante controlled in the box and beat his marker to get the cross in.
Goalkeeper Keita made several saves from long-range shots to preserve the lead and also denied Chester again after the break.
Gabon also made a winning start as they beat African Cup of Nations debutants Comoros Islands in their Group C clash.
Gabon, who were without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Mario Lemina due to Covid-19 infections, grabbed the winner in the 16th minute through Aaron Boupendza.
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