The second encounter between Guinea and Sudan in FIFA World Cup qualifying this week was virtually a repeat of the first ,with Guinea missing opportunities to expand their lead before the Sudanese found a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw on Saturday. Amir Kamal found the crucial tying goal in the 88th minute in a second half that featured all four goals, and now it appears that barring two wins against Group I leaders Morocco, Guinea are on the verge of crashing out of qualifying contention. Sudan’s role as spoiler was confirmed and the two draws this week represent their first two points of the campaign.
Circumstances have been as difficult as possible for the Syli Nationale of Guinea, with political instability postponing their earlier match against Morocco and meningitis keeping manager Didier Six off the sidelines for Saturday’s clash. Understandably, the team looked a bit sluggish in the early stages and there were few opportunities for either side in the first half. Each team did carve out an opportunity before the break, however. Guinea striker José Kanté was picked out by a ball from Amadou Diawara but Abdallah Ali came up with a big save, soon after also denying Naby Keita as well.
Guinea keeper Moussa Camara was called into action himself just before halftime and came out to deny Sudanese star Mohamed Abdelraman when he moved in on goal and tried to maneuver around the Horoya AC player. Soon after the break it was Kanté who tallied the opener for Guinea. The Kazakhstan-based hitman combined with Mohamed Bayo and took his time to find a shooting angle before firing into the top corner past Ali.
Sudan got back into the match in the 64th minute when a poor play in the back from the Guinean defense allowed Seif Teiri in on goal and he attempted to dribble around Camara before being taken out. However, the ball fell to substitute Ahmad Mahmoud who finished past a defender on the line to equalize.
Less than two minutes later it was Bayo who put Guinea back into the lead. A Sudanese attack was denied and Guinea had the ball rapidly going back the other way, with Aguibou Camara sending a low pass behind the defense for Bayo to run onto before the Clermont Foot striker slotted his finish underneath Ali.
However, the ending was a carbon copy of the match earlier this week in so many ways. Last match it was Aguibou Camara who missed an excellent opportunity to put Guinea up two goals, and once again he squandered another clear chance in the 71st minute to keep Sudan in the match. In the 88th minute the Sudanese once again stunned the Guineans when an excellent free kick delivery from the left wing found Kamal, who perfectly redirected a powerful header that left Camara motionless in goal as the ball settled into the net.
Highlights of the match are below.
