Despite grabbing the lead, Guinea allowed Guinea-Bissau to equalize through Joseph Mendes as they played to a 1-1 draw in their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Stade Olympique, Nouakchott on Wednesday evening.
Guinea had a bright start, imposing their game high up the pitch and they went ahead on the seventh minute courtesy of speedy winger Francois Kamano.
Guinea-Bissau got into the game after that, with their high press restricting Guinea playing from the back but they could not break down their resilient defence.
However, Silva Brito had a great chance to level the matters on the 33rd minute break after going through on goal on the right side of the box but he could not apply the finishing touch.
A minute later the Djurtus had another shot on goal when Cassam Moreto unleashed a thunderbolt from distance, but Ali Keita made a good save.
Naby Keita should have extended Guinea’s lead when he met a corner-kick from Mohamed Camara, but he headed inches over the crossbar.
Guinea-Bissau leveled matters shortly after the break, when Joseph Mendes turned home Fali Cande’s low cross at the far post.
Substitute Moustapha Kouyate almost made an immediate impact in the 62nd minute but his left-footed effort from the edge of the area sailed inches over the crossbar.
The next effort on goal only came on the 77 minute when Issiaga Sally drove forward for Guinea, but saw his stinging shot from the edge of the box well-saved by Jonas Mendes.
Florientin Pogba nearly got back Syli Nationale into the lead 88th minute but the FC Sochaux-Montbéliard defender managed to head over the crossbar from six-yards out.
Guinea-Bissau pushed for winning goal in the remaining stages, but were let down by some poor finishing by second half substitute Jorginho ,who squandered another headed chance in the 89th minute.
