Guinea 0-1 Gambia: Musa Barrow sends AFCON debutants into quarter-finals with shock win

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Matt Verri24 January 2022

Musa Barrow was the hero as Gambia stunned Guinea with a 1-0 win that sent them through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

This is Gambia’s first ever appearance at the tournament, and their dream run will continue into the last eight after another impressive display. Barrow gave them the lead in the second-half, before Yusupha Njie’s red card with a few minutes remaining ensured a nervy finish for Gambia.

Guinea then hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds in stoppage-time, but they too were reduced to ten men as Ibrahima Conte was dismissed. Gambia held on in those chaotic final minutes, and they will face Cameroon or Comoros next.

Gambia were the underdogs going into match, even with Naby Keita missing for Guinea due to suspension, but they started confidently and Musa Barrow caused plenty of problems with his direct running.

Aguibou Camara went close with a free-kick for Guinea, before the best chance fell to Mohamed Bayo late in the first-half.

Guinea pounced on a loose pass as Gambia tried to play out from the back, and it was played throught to Bayo. The striker had his first shot blocked, and while the rebound fell to him, Baboucarr Gaye was off his line quickly to smother any follow-up.

Ebrima Darboe went close just before the break after Barrow played him in, as the opening 45 minutes finished goalless.

Guinea were much improved start of the break, and went close as Jose Kante headed over a big chance straight from a corner.

It was then brilliant defending that kept them at bay, as Omar Colley slid in with a wonderful block just as Ilaix Moriba looked set to give Guinea the lead from 12-yards out.

They were the better side for much of the half, but it was Gambia who took the lead with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Yusupha Bobb played it through to Barrow on the edge of the box, who turned beyond the defender with a perfect first touch and then calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper.

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Conte thought he had equalised just minutes later as he turned in a low cross from a couple of yards out, but the offside flag correctly went swiftly up.

Yusupha Njie was brought on for Gambia but with three minutes remaining, he was shown a second yellow card after catching the defender with an elbow. That gave Guinea renewed hope, and they piled forward as the match moved into added-time.

Conte’s attempted cross smacked against the post, and the rebound fell to Kante. His shot was destined for the top corner, but Gaye produced a stunning save to tip it onto the woodwork. There was then a VAR check for a potential handball, but Gambia survived.

In the final few seconds, Conte also saw red for a second yellow as both teams finished with ten men, and it was Gambia who came out on top amid the chaos.

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