In a nail-biting match, Mohamed Bayo secured Guinea’s spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a last-gasp header from Ibrahim Diakite’s precise cross, stunning the crowd just 22 seconds before the end of regulation time.

The first half witnessed a lacklustre performance, with Bayo’s early shot narrowly missing the target. However, the game came alive in the second half. Nsue missed a golden opportunity shortly after the break, volleying over the bar from a fortuitous rebound.

Guinea thought they had a breakthrough when Mory Konate headed home from a free-kick, but it was correctly ruled offside. Guinea gained a numerical advantage when Federico Bikoro received a red card for a high-footed challenge on Bayo.

The tension heightened during the second half as a VAR review resulted in Equatorial Guinea earning a penalty for a foul by Sekou Sylla on Iban Salvador, but their captain and tournament topscorer, Emilio Nsue, rattled the post with his spot-kick.

Despite being a player up, Guinea struggled to capitalise on the situation. Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono made a comfortable save from Serhou Guirassy’s header in the 82nd minute.

The dramatic conclusion unfolded when Bayo, positioning himself perfectly, headed in the decisive goal at the near post, securing Guinea’s place in the quarter-finals for a showdown against DR Congo.