Guinea have advanced into the next round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations despite a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Group B rivals Zimbabwe at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Tuesday night.
The results sees the Syli Nationale finish second with four points and they advance into the last 16 to face a second-placed team from Group F in Yaoundé next Monday, January 24.
Zimbabwe had nothing to play for but pride as they are already eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations after losing their opening two games against the Senegalese (1-0) and Malawi (2-1).
The first shot in anger came from Zimbabwe, with Never Tigere cutting inside from the left and shooting toward the near post, where goalkeeper Aly Keita had to make a decent save in the seventh minute of the match.
On 18 minutes Bruce Kangwa threatened in a similar manner, but again his well-struck shot was plucked out of the air with relative comfort by the Guinean gloves-man.
The Warriors took the lead on the 26th minute thanks to a header from former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Knowledge Musona , from three-yards out.
Guinea dominated proceedings after going a goal down, but failed to create any goal-scoring opportunities, with Nabby Keita going close with an effort from distance in the 38th minute.
Zimbabwe added their advantage on the 43rd minute courtesy of Kudakwashe Mahachi who sent left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner,2-0.
Talbert Shumba came to the Warriors’ rescue just after the halftime break, the Zimbabwe shot-stopper got down well to keep out Sory Kaba stinging effort.
Naby Keita reduced the deficit for Guinea on the 49th minute, as his powerful left footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner from Mohamed Kane’s assist.
Shumba was called into action on the hour mark to palm away Issiaga Sylla’s curling free-kick from 25-yards out.
Guinea were struggling from set-pieces and were nearly punished in the 78th minute but Zimbabwe defender, Peter Muduwa, managed to blast over from point-blank range.
Zimbabwe managed to see out the final stages of the game, despite a late surge from the Guineans and marked their first Africa Cup of Nations win since 2006.
How they lined up:
Zimbabwe: Talbert Shumba, Peter Muduwa, John Takwara, Thabani Kamusoko, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Godknows Murwira, Jordan Zemura (Tino Kadewere 75), Bruce Kangwa, Never Tigere, Knowledge Musona (Onismor Bhasera 46), Admiral Muskwe (Prince Dube 75)
Guinea: Aly Keita, Mohamed Aly Camara, Ibrahima Conte, Ousmane Kante, Mamadou Kane, Ilaix Moriba (Morlaye Sylla 63), Naby Keita, Ibrahima Cisse, Issiaga Sylla, Sory Kaba (Mohamed Bayo 63), Jose Kante (Mamadou Diallo 46)
