AFCON 2021: Ali’s penalty save denies Guinea-Bissau from taking maximum points- match report
Sudan 0 v Guinea-Bissau 0
For a game that appears destined to be goalless after several failed attempts by both teams to put the ball into the back of the net. Guinea-Bissau eventually got a penalty following a foul by Sudan goalkeeper, Ali on Steve Ambri, but Ali saves the penalty and the match ends 0-0.
Ali Achrine was named the man of the match after a heroic performance against the Djurtus. The unlikely hero of the match put up an impressive performance to help his team secure a draw from this game.
Sudan who have not make Afcon appearance since 2012 would not want to crash out of the competition early. Ali has kept that dream alive.
From the time the referee blew the whistle to start the game, to the final whistle, both teams played attacking football. It was an enjoyable match.
It didn’t take long (after six minutes into the game) before Sudan got their first chance to take the lead when Abdelrazig Omer fired a shot with his right foot from long range.
Guinea-Bissau came close to taking the lead on the 8th-minute mark, but Joseph Mendes header went over the bar following a cross from the corner.
On the 43rd-minute mark, Sudan came close close again when Mohamed Abdelrahman header from Mazin Mohamedein cross went off target.
Both teams kept looking for the goal, but it was the Falcons of Jedaine center forward, Mohamed Abdelrahman that got the chance at the stroke of half-time to fire a shot outside the box, but it was save in the bottom right corner by Maurice Gomis.
The second half
After the recess, Sudan registered another goal on target after 55 minutes through Mohamed Al Rashed, who fired a right footed shot, but it was saved in the bottom left corner by Maurice Gomis.
Walieldin Khedr (Sudan) came close to take the lead for Sudan again in the 69-minute, but his right footed shot from 35 yards or more is saved in the top center of the goal.
Another attempt by Sudan was blocked after 74 minutes when Abdelrazig Omerright took a shot from the left side of the 18-yard box.
Guinea-Bissau was given a penalty in the 79-minute, following a foul by Ali Achrine on Steve Ambri.
However, the Djurtus lost the opportunity to go ahead as Pele right footed penalty shot was saved in the bottom left corner by Ali.
After the penalty miss, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan could not break the deadlock, and the game ends 0-0. In their next game, Guinea-Bissau will lock horns with Egypt on 15 January, while Sudan will play Nigeria on same date.
