Guinea 2-2 Madagascar: Syli Nationale held by the debutant

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:32 pm

Francois Kamano scored from the spot-kick as Guinea were held by debutants Madagascar at the 2019 Africa Nations Cup Group B opener at Alexandria Stadium on Saturday night.Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita appeared as a substitute, returning from an adductor injury sustained in Champions League action last month.

Syli Nationale opener soon followed as Amadou Diawara lofted a gorgeous pass in behind the Madagascar defence and Kaba skillfully beat goalkeeper Melvin Adrien with a twisting lob before passing into an empty net. But Madagascar were level four minutes into the second half with their first AFCON goal through Anicet, flicking unmarked past Aly Keita from Andria’s left-wing corner. Guinea almost restored their lead when Kaba dragged a low shot against the post, but instead they sensationally trailed as Andria found time and space beyond the back line to control a looping ball and finish coolly. Keita was called from the bench, yet it was Ibrahima Traore’s pace on the counter that drew a desperate lunge from Romain Metanire, allowing Kamano to roll in the spot-kick to earn a share of the spoils.