Guinea draw level with Bafana after narrow Eritrea victory

Guinea moved level with Bafana Bafana at the top of Group D after securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Eritrea on Thursday evening.

The hosts made the ideal start when Mohamed Soumah opened the scoring after 13 minutes.

Guinea doubled their advantage eight minutes after the interval, with Yakhouba Gnagna Barry making it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. The goal appeared to put the home side in control and raised the possibility of a comfortable victory, particularly after Bafana Bafana had scored five times against Eritrea.

But the Red Sea Camels responded late in the match. Maill Lundgren pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute, setting up a tense finish for Guinea.

Guinea held on to claim all three points and move on to six points, drawing level with leaders Bafana Bafana.

Pitso Mosimane’s side retain the advantage, however, having played one game fewer and holding the superior goal difference. Bafana Bafana have a goal difference of +6, compared with Guinea’s +1.

Bafana Bafana will face Kenya home and away from home during this international break, while Guinea’s next fixture is an away match against Eritrea.

Victory for both teams in their remaining matches this international break would set up a major top-of-the-table meeting in March.