AFCON 2021: The National Elephants earn their first three points – Match Report
Guinea began their 14th AFCON campaign with a Group B tie against Malawi in their first ever meeting at the African showpiece.
Malawi threatened in the first ten minutes as Micium Mhone fired a long shot goal-ward that required a sharp save from Guinean shot-stopper, Aly Keita.
Yamikani Chester had a golden opportunity to send Malawi into the lead, but the Malawian striker released his shot too early, allowing Keita to make a regulation save. Chester had another chance less than a minute later, but he lost his footing as he approached the box.
Guinea had their first opportunity on goal next as Jose Kante rose high to head a cross from a corner, but his attempt slammed into the woodwork.
The deadlock was finally broken after the half hour mark as Guinea made a foray into the Malawi box. Kante showed some silky skills to release a squared ball in the six yard box, with Issiaga Sylla hitting home from close range.
Keita was called into action once again as Malawi skipper, Limbikani Mzava fancied his chances from a long range freekick, but the Guinea keeper tipped the shot over the crossbar. Keita produced another fine save with halftime looming to deny Peter Banda an equalizer for Malawi.
Ernest Kakhobwe produced two clutch saves just before the halftime whistle blew to keep Malawi in the match with Guinea 1-nil up at halftime.
Keita was back in the thick of things early in the second half as Malawi made their way into the Guinea box, getting a glove to a ball that would have levelled the scores. The Guinea keeper was forced to come off his line a few minutes later as Chester ran on to a through ball threaded into the box, snuffing out another early threat.
Both sides struggled to produce more out and out chances in the remainder of the second half, seeing Guinea hold out for a 1-0 win to begin their AFCON campaign with a narrow victory over Malawi.
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