Guinea take on Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s Group B action at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with both teams differing objectives. Following their 0-0 draw against fellow West African side Senegal, the Syli Nationale of Guinea are shooting for a win to possibly clinch first place in the group. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are mathematically eliminated from contention for the knockout stages and will be aiming to please Warriors supporters by going out with a good performance. For the first time at the Africa Cup of Nations, an all-female refereeing crew will officiate the match with Rwanda’s Salima Rhadia Mukansanga the head referee.
The Guinea team expressed disappointment at not being able to secure a victory against a weakened Senegal side in a match that could have gone either way. Results so far have met expectations but the attack continues to sputter for the Syli Nationale, an issue that supporters are looking to striker Mohamed Bayo to remedy. The Clermont hitman has been prolific in French club football but acknowledged to Foot 224 in an interview that he has yet to thrive at national team level. Bayo said he feels no particular pressure and as long as the defense continues to succeed in keeping the opposition off the scoreboard, there is still time for the 23-year-old to find his footing. Manager Kaba Diawara stated the team is united and praised his defense for its gradual improvement since the start of their preparations.
In the Warriors camp, there is a clear sense of disappointment in how Zimbabwe’s AFCON campaign has gone. Since their defeat to rivals Malawi on Friday, captain Knowledge Musona has refused to speak with the media and the 31-year-old’s performance in Cameroon was labeled “a big flop” by Zimbabwean publication The Herald. Manager Norman Mapeza will likely rotate a few players into the starting lineup and the players who are speaking to the media labelled the upcoming match a must-win. Center back Teenage Hadebe and midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe will be missing due to suspension as Zimbabwe attempts to provide at least some satisfaction for a disappointed fanbase.
Links relating to the matchup are below.
