Staff Reporter.
Guinea bagged maximum points in their latest 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier following their 2-0 win over Ethiopia at Stade Mohammed V on Friday night.
Ethiopia got the game off to a positive start and saw most of the ball during the opening stages of the game. Guinea however, sat back and looked to soak up the early pressure from the visiting outfit.
In what was a pattern of the entire encounter, Ethiopia dominated the ball possession count while the hosts employed a counter attacking approach.
Against the run of play, Guinea took the lead in the 39th minute, courtesy of a strike from Francois Kamano, as they headed into the break with a slender advantage.
Much like that of the first half, Ethiopia continued to dominate on the ball as the second half whistle was blown, however, it was Guinea who looked more threatening going forward.
The home side doubled their advantage 15 minutes from time as Mohamed Bayo gave Guinea their assurance goal in the tie.
As far as the statistics are concerned, Guinea produced 26 shots while Ethiopia had eight shots at goal. While Ethiopia had the majority of the ball in the encounter (58 per cent), the travelling outfit also completed more passes (555) than Guinea (400).
The result sees Guinea gain six points after three matches played and went level with Egypt who lead the way in Group D.
Meanwhile Egypt put on a dominant display against Malawi to emerge 2-0 victors in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Friday night.
Elsewhere continental champions Senegal have moved to within touching distance of qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after they racked up an emphatic 5-1 triumph over Mozambique at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium in Dakar on Friday night.