Zimbabwe bowed out of the Africa Cup of Nations in style after edging Guinea 2-1 but despite the defeat, Syli Nationale booked a ticket to the Round of 16 with Senegal and Mali settling for a draw in the other Group B game. The game was historic on many fronts as this was the first encounter between Zimbabwe and Guinea in the competition with the clash also marking the first game officiated by a woman at the tourney. FULL-TIME! ⏰#TeamZimbabwe 2-1 #TeamGuinea The Warriors earn their first #TotalEnergiesAFCON victory in 16 years as they down Guinea ⚔️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #ZWEGIN pic.twitter.com/zGxAzkMAo6— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2022 The encounter was off to a slow start with Guinea dominating possession and had the first real opening in the game in the 22nd minute when Sory Kaba saw his placed effort blocked by Bruce Kangwa inside the six-yard box with the keeper well beaten. Guinea were meant to rue their missed chance four minutes later when Azam FC midfielder Never Tigere had a second invitation to deliver a cross after his corner was cleared as far as him and he floated in a cross that was nodded in by Knowledge Musona. Syli Nationale continued to dominate proceedings but Zimbabwe doubled their lead when Kudakwashe Mahachi found himself with one defender to beat but was ambitious as he opted to shoot and saw his shot slip past Aly Keita to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute. Guinea head coach Kaba Diawara had some stern words for his charges at half time judging from the strong start as it only took them four minutes to pull one back when Naby Keita was afforded too much time and space just outside the box as he unleashed a thunderbolt that found the back of the net. 𝙁𝙏: Zimbabwe 2-1 GuineaThe warriors finish our time in the competition with a win against a good Guinean side. Goals from Musona and Machachi in the first half were enough for the win it. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #Warriors | #TeamZimbabwe #Pride pic.twitter.com/nrQXdRa9ca— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) January 18, 2022 Kaba Diawara’s charges continued to threaten but were let down by poor finishing with Jose Kanté and Sory Kaba being the culprits.Chances were at a premium for Guinea in the closing stages of the game but they lacked the composure to bury their opportunities as the brave Warriors defence line stood tall to win their first game of the 2021 edition but it proved futile as they were knocked out of the competition.
