AFCON 2021: The Warriors earn their first AFCON victory in 16 years as they down Guinea
Guinea had one foot in the knockout stage of AFCON 2021, but needed at least a draw to take the next step forward to the last 16. A step back against Zimbabwe seemed unlikely with the team winless, bottom of Group B and had only won once in the eight encounters between these teams.
A win for the Warriors could give them an outside chance of qualification as one of the best third-placed sides and they had the first real opportunity in counter showing they meant business from the jump.
Guinea knew they needed to step up the gear, the National Elephants attacking Talbert Shumba’s goal. They couldn’t take their chances and the Warriors punished them in the 26th minute, Knowledge Musona with the goal and a lovely finish. There was more to come from Zimbabwe before the break as in the 43rd minute, Kudakwashe Mahachi added a second to take them 2-nil up. At this phase, Guinea were out of the automatic qualification spots.
That prospect and the halftime break seemed to fire the Guinea side as Naby Keita scored at the 49th minute, the captain leading from the front.
Piling on pressure from the front seemed to be the tactic as Guinea kept on creating more chances. Zimbabwe escaped unscathed though, holding on to their lead.
Guinea came close to getting the all-important leveller that would ensure progression but Ibrahima Conte’s header went agonizingly wide of the goal.
That was the last significant chance of the match as the Warriors held on for a famous victory, Zimbabwe’s first at the AFCON finals since 2006.
