Barrow wheels debutant Gambia

The Gambia have sensationally reached the quarter-finals at their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as Musa Barrow’s second-half strike proved the difference against Guinea at Kouekong Stadium.

Guinea were missing their suspended talisman Naby Keïta, along with their only other goalscorer at the tournament, Issiaga Sylla, and it was the ‘Scorpions’ who made the brighter start. Musa Barrow was the shining light, forcing Kaba Diawara’s men to take evasive action from two corners either side of a rasping drive by the exciting Bologna forward.

Guinea’s best opportunities in the opening period fell to Mohamed Bayo. The first of those saw the Clermont striker lose his balance as the ball dropped into his path in the box, and he could only skew his shot over the bar on the spin, before Bayo’s second attempt was blocked brilliantly by the sliding James Gomez, with the loose ball snapped up by The Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gayé. Roma’s Ebrima Darboe had the final opportunity before the break, flashing a shot just wide of the far post.

Both sides were keen to establish an advantage in the sweltering conditions in Bafoussam and Guinea could well have broken the deadlock when Aguibou Camara’s corner was met by José Kanté, but the forward headed over. The ‘National Elephants’ then fashioned an opening courtesy of RB Leipzig teenager Ilaix Moriba, who drove upfield and played a lovely one-two with Kanté. However, experienced centre-back Omar Colley was on hand to throw his body in the way of the strike.

Barrow wheels debutant Gambia

The game was in dire need of some inspiration and just after the 70-minute mark, it arrived as Yusupha Bobb’s measured pass found Musa Barrow, whose delicate touch took him away from Ibrahima Conté before a cool finish in the area gave Aly Keita no chance. Guinea thought they had responded soon afterwards, but after being outfoxed for The Gambia’s goal, Conté’s misery was compounded when his finish at the back post from Kanté’s cross was ruled offside. Tom Saintfiet’s side needed to defend for their lives and their cause was not helped when substitute Yusupha Njie was controversially dismissed after two bookings, the second of which was given for the merest of touches on Conté in an aerial challenge, with the Guinea defender theatrically clutching his face, before minutes later, he was red-carded.

The Gambia memorably held out though, despite Guinea hitting the woodwork twice in the dying moments and will next play the winners of The Comoros against hosts and newly installed favourites Cameroon, which takes place later tonight, with the resulting quarter-final taking place on Saturday in Douala.