Guinea secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in a tense last-16 clash on Sunday.
The only goal of the game came in the 90th minute, when Guinea’s striker Mohamed Bayo headed in a cross from Ibrahim Diakite after a swift counter-attack.
Equatorial Guinea, who had topped their group with seven points, were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute when defender Federico Bikoro was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bayo.
The hosts tried to find an equalizer, but Guinea’s defense held firm and denied them any clear chances. Guinea’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone also made some crucial saves, including a spectacular one to tip over a free-kick from Iban Salvador in the 89th minute.
Guinea, who had finished third in their group behind Senegal, celebrated their first win over Equatorial Guinea in Afcon history.
They will face the winner of the match between Egypt and Cingo in the quarterfinals.
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Equatorial Guinea, who had impressed with their attacking style and scored nine goals in the group stage, bowed out of the tournament with their heads held high. They had reached the knock-out stage for only the second time in their history, after hosting and finishing fourth in 2015.