In 1972, Gambia’s national team suffered their most severe defeat – it was Guinea who thrashed the Scorpions 8-0. However, today’s clash against the Syli National will stay engraved in the memory of Gambia as one of the biggest victories ever – The Gambia qualified for the AFCON 2021 quarterfinals by beating Guinea 0-1 at Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam.The west Africans leveled with Madagascar’s 2019 selection who were the first debutants who managed to go undefeated in their opening four matches at AFCON – as tournament first-timers.Syli National were missing their Liverpool star Naby Keta and their only other goalscorer at the tournament, Issiaga Sylla and it sort of created space for the Scorpions to impose themselves. Bologna forward Musa Barrow was the main man for the Gambians.Gambia are through to the quarter-finals at their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations! 🇬🇲👏 pic.twitter.com/pnrMkFzpby— GOAL (@goal) January 24, 2022 In the first half, Guinea’s best opportunities came from Mohamed Bayo. First, Clermont striker lost 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. His second attempt was blocked brilliantly by the sliding James Gomez.Before the halftime break, Roma’s Ebrima Darboe had a massive opportunity but his shot went just wide of the far post.In the sweltering conditions in Bafoussam, both sides were keen to establish an advantage in the second half. Guinea were close to taking the lead when Aguibou Camara’s corner was met by José Kanté – but the forward sent his header over the crossbar.##EDITORS_CHOICE##RB Leipzig teenager Ilaix Moriba then fashioned an interesting chance for the National Elephants. Moriba played a lovely one-two with Kanté but Gambia’s experienced centre-back Omar Colley threw his body in the way of the strike to prevent his side from falling behind.Just after the 70-minute mark, the game got much-needed inspiration. It arrived in the form of Yusupha Bobb’s measured pass and Barrow’s clinical finishing. Serie A footballer gave Aly Keita no chance as Barrow’s delicate touch took him away from Ibrahima Conté before a cool finish in the box.Soon afterward, Guinea thought they had responded but Conté’s misery was compounded when his finish at the back post from Kanté’s cross was ruled offside. Lead holders defended for their lives and it did not help when substitute Yusupha Njie after being booked controversially for his second yellow card. Conte, who was ‘fauled’ on that occasion later was shown a red card himself.Despite Guinea hitting the woodwork twice in the dying moments – the Gambia memorably held out. The Scorpions will next play the winners of the match played later tonight – The Comoros against hosts Cameroon. The quarter-final clash will take place in Douala on Saturday.Celebrations have already started in Gambia 🇬🇲 🎉 After the debutants qualified for their FIRST ever AFCON quarter-finals. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/yeeiwS4pPn— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) January 24, 2022 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS – 1/8 FINALSGuinea – Gambia 0-1 (0-0)/Barrow 71/22.00: Cameroon – Comoros
