AFCON 2021: Guinea ends last build-up match to AFCON on a strong note
Guinea defeated Rwanda 2-0 in their last build-match to AFCON
The Syli Nationale of Guinea defeated the Amavubi 2-0 in their second friendly game in Kigali.
The first-half goals from the captain Naby Keita and Mohamed Lamine Bayo at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali was enough to secure the victory for the away side, Guinea.
This result was a huge comeback from their 3-0 loss a few days ago against the same team.
This win will serve as morale-boosting for the boys as the competition gets underway in Cameroon, January 9. However, Guinea will start its Afcon campaign on January 10, 17:00 GMT against Malawi.
The Amavubi did attack the Guineas, but the midfield, led by Keita was up to the task as they were able to curtail them.
Rwanda’s first goal through Mohamed Lamine Bayo after 26 minutes came from a set-piece, after jumping high to head a well-taken corner into the back of the net.
Naby Keita, who arrived in Kigali on January 5 from Liverpool, capitalized on a defensive mistake by Rwanda’s defender Jean Bosco Ruboneka.
That gives the Liverpool midfielder a chance to fire a shot past Rwanda’s goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe in the 35-minute mark.
Both sides made changes in the second half, especially for the Afcon-bound team, Guinea, to test different strategies and players ahead of the biennial Africa showpiece, but the scoreline remained the same. Guinea defeated Rwanda 2-0.
Guinea’s coach, Kaba Diawara speaking after the game was pleased with his side performance. He said he made some vital changes following the 3-0 defeat in the first friendly against the hosts.
He further added that his team is fully ready for the 2021 Africa cup of nations.
The Syli Nationale are in group B alongside Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Senegal and Guinea are considered as the favorites to qualify for the next round.
