Equatorial Guinea and Guinea looked set for extra time on Sunday in their Round of 16 clash at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but a header from Mohamed Bayo sent Guinea through to the quarterfinals just before the full time whistle. Bayo got on the end of an Ibrahim Diakité cross to give the Syli National the edge over ten-man Equatorial Guinea whose captain Emilio Nsue failed to convert a penalty kick earlier in the second half. Guinea await the winner of Sunday’s second Round of 16 clash between Egypt and DR Congo.
It was a scrappy affair for most of the match with few clear opportunities until the second half. The best look arrived for Guinea on a counter-attack in the 43rd minute when Aguibou Camara appeared to be in on goal but an excellent recovery run from Equatorial Guinea left back Basilio Ndong foiled the opportunity.
Chances began to flow in the second half and the match changed when Equatorial Guinea defensive midfielder Federico Bikoro cleared a ball but followed through high on Bayo, an offense that was punished by a red card. However, ten minutes later a set piece from the left wing found Nzalang attacker Iban Edú and he was tripped up by Guinea player Sekou Sylla. Following a VAR review a penalty was awarded but Nsue put his spot kick off the foot of the post and wide for a major missed opportunity.
From then on it was a struggle for ten-man Equatorial Guinea but the Nzalang held out valiantly against a Guinea side who kept pushing. Just when it seemed the teams were set for extra time the Syli struck in the eighth minute of stoppage time when right back Diakité got free on the wing and his cross was met at the near post with a powerful header by Bayo that was too much for Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono to handle.
Video of the important moments from the match are below.
Match Highlights
