The ongoing Nations Cup recorded another upset as Guinea left it late to defeat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 to qualify for the quarter final.
Mohamed Bayo’s header in the 98th-minute ensured Guinea reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations at the expense of 10-man Equatorial Guinea, who had earlier missed a penalty.
Equatorial Guinea midfielder Federico Bikoro was dismissed 10 minutes after the break for catching Bayo in the ribs with his studs.
The National Thunder were awarded a spot-kick midway through the second half after Sekou Sylla caught Iban Salvador, but captain Emilio Nsue hit the base of the right-hand upright.
And, with the game set to head to extra time, striker Bayo stooped to guide Ibrahim Diakite’s cross from the right flank just inside the near post in the final minute of added time.
The West Africans have made the last eight for the first time since 2015 and next play in Abidjan on Friday, when they will face either Egypt or DR Congo, who meet later on Sunday
Equatorial Guinea had been the surprise package of the group stage, winning Group A ahead of Nigeria and hosts Ivory Coast as Nsue netted five goals to top the scoring charts.
Equatorial Guinea had reached at least the quarter-finals on their previous three appearances at Afcon, but Juan Micha’s side could not repeat that achievement as 34-year-old Nsue was left to rue his costly miss while Guinea celebrated at the final whistle.
The West Africans, managed by one-time Arsenal striker Kaba Diawara, had finished behind holders Senegal and Cameroon but progressed to the knockout stages as one of four best-ranked third-placed sides.
