In a thrilling Group H clash on Saturday, November 16, Guinea edged past the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) with a dramatic last-minute goal from Serhou Guirassy.
The 1-0 victory at the neutral venue in Abidjan not only ended DR Congo’s perfect record in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers but also brought Guinea within one point of securing a coveted spot in AFCON 2025.
With DR Congo already qualified for the AFCON finals, Guinea entered the match determined to strengthen their hold on the second qualifying spot in Group H.
Sitting just two points ahead of Tanzania, who had earlier beaten Ethiopia, Guinea needed a win to keep their fate firmly in their hands.
The first half was a tactical battle, with both teams probing for openings but failing to convert chances into goals. Despite Guinea’s dominance in possession, DR Congo’s defense held firm, with standout performances from captain Chancel Mbemba and goalkeeper Joël Kiassumbua.
As the game progressed into the second half, the intensity ramped up. Guinea pushed relentlessly for a breakthrough, with Issiaga Sylla and Morlaye Sylla creating multiple opportunities down the wings.
Serhou Guirassy came close in the 72nd minute, forcing a sharp save from Kiassumbua. DR Congo, too, had their moments, with Fiston Mayele and Gédéon Kalulu narrowly missing the target.
Just as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, the decisive moment arrived. Two minutes into stoppage time, Issiaga Sylla delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.
Guirassy, unmarked, met the ball with a powerful right-footed strike that soared into the top-right corner of the net. The goal sparked wild celebrations from Guinea’s players and fans, knowing it could prove decisive in their qualification journey.
Guinea’s win restores their two-point cushion over Tanzania, keeping them in second place with nine points. With one match remaining in the group stage, a draw against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday will be enough to secure their spot in the AFCON 2025 finals.
Guinea’s head coach, Kaba Diawara, praised his team’s perseverance after the match. “This was a test of character, and the players delivered. We know Tanzania will be a tough challenge, but we’re ready to finish what we started,” he said.
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Key Performers
- Serhou Guirassy: The Borussia Dortmund striker lived up to his reputation, delivering when it mattered most. His late goal was a moment of brilliance that underlined his importance to Guinea’s campaign.
- Issiaga Sylla: The left-back was instrumental in the attacking build-up, providing the crucial assist for Guirassy’s match-winning strike.
- Chancel Mbemba: Despite the loss, DR Congo’s captain showcased excellent defensive leadership, keeping Guinea at bay for much of the match.
Guinea’s upcoming clash against Tanzania will be the ultimate test of their AFCON credentials. The Taifa Stars, buoyed by their 2-0 win over Ethiopia, are determined to overtake Guinea and claim the second qualification spot. With home advantage and players like Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum in form, Tanzania poses a significant threat.
However, Guinea’s experience and resilience could give them the edge. Kaba Diawara’s side has shown they can handle pressure, and with the likes of Guirassy and Naby Keïta leading the charge, they remain favorites to advance.
Guinea’s win wasn’t the only highlight of the weekend. The AFCON qualifiers are heating up as teams battle for the remaining spots in Morocco 2025. In Group D, Libya has a chance to rise from last place to second if they beat Benin at home on Monday. Meanwhile, Sudan needs just a point against Angola in Group F, though a loss could allow Niger to leapfrog them by beating Ghana.
Tuesday will see a straight showdown between Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique in Group I, with the winner joining Mali as the group’s qualifiers. Similarly, Group C remains tense, with Botswana holding a slim lead over Cape Verde and Mauritania but facing a daunting trip to leaders Egypt.
Why AFCON 2025 Matters
The Africa Cup of Nations is more than just a football tournament—it’s a celebration of African talent, culture, and unity. The 2025 edition, set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, promises to be one of the most exciting yet. With 24 teams competing for the prestigious title, fans can expect high-octane action, unforgettable moments, and a showcase of the continent’s best footballing talent.
