Mohamed Bayo scored a 98th-minute winner as Guinea reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals. The match included a missed penalty by Equatorial Guinea’s captain, Emilio Nsue. Federico Bikoro from Equatorial Guinea caught Bayo in the ribs with his studs and was dismissed 10 minutes after the break.
Bikoro received a red card for challenging Bayo, which became the turning point. It gave Guinea a numerical advantage. Equatorial Guinea had a golden opportunity to take the lead. A VAR review awarded them a penalty for a foul on Iban Salvador. However, Nsue’s attempt hit the upright, leaving the match poised.
As the game approached extra time, Bayo seized the chance. He headed in Ibrahim Diakite’s cross just inside the near post. This goal was the latest game-winner in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations knockouts. Kaba Diawara’s Guinean side advanced to the quarterfinals. This is their first time since 2015.
Mohamed Bayo’s 98th-minute winner sends Guinea into the AFCON quarterfinals.
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Despite their one-man advantage, Guinea struggled to score. Goalkeeper Jesus Owono made a crucial save at the end. Equatorial Guinea was a surprise in the group stage. But they couldn’t repeat their earlier success.
In the first half, both teams had few chances. Bayo and Morgan Guilavogli came close for Guinea. Nsue had a chance early in the second half, but the game’s dynamics shifted with Bikoro’s red card.
Equatorial Guinea was successful in the group stage. But they couldn’t keep it up. Nsue’s missed penalty cost them. Guinea’s next challenge in the quarter-finals will be in Abidjan. They will face either Egypt or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It was a historic moment. Bayo scored a late header. It was Guinea’s first win in seven knockout stage appearances. They had never won at the Africa Cup of Nations. It added another layer of significance to their journey in the tournament.