2021 CHAN: Guinea finish third after defeating hosts Cameroon
Guinea finished third at the TOTAL African Nations Championship (CHAN) after beating hosts Cameroon 2-0 in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
The Syli National displayed some grit to win the match at the Reunification Stadium in Douala to win the bronze medal of the tournament, designed exclusively for home-based players.
Talented Guinea playmaker, Morlaye Sylla, put his side in an early lead before with striker Mamadouba Camara doubling the advantage on the stroke of half-time.
Sylla, the talented Guinea playmaker, put the Syli National in the lead in the ninth minute when the AC Horaya player split the home side’s defence with his dexterity before firing past goalkeeper Haschou Kerrido.
The Indomitable Lions injected some seriousness into their game and had a couple of wasted chances as Felix Oukine and Bertrand Junior could not take advantage.
Guinea defender Abou Camara dived low to prevent Salomon Bindjeme from restoring parity as the Cameroonians piled the pressure on the West Africans.
In the 37th minute, Ngnowa Yre also had the chance from inside the box but he headed the ball straight into the waiting hands of goalkeeper Moussa Camara.
Just before the break and against the run of play, the Guineans beat an offside trap to put Mamadouba Camara through and the striker made no mistake in a one-on-one situation with Kerrido to extend their lead.
The Indomitable Lions returned from the break determined to make amends but found the Guinea defence tough to crack.
Defender Kalif Traote made goal line clearance in the 56th minute after goalkeeper Camara punched an aerial ball that allowed the Cameroon Oukine to hit.
Shot-stopper Camara passed a test five minutes later after grabbing Martin Ako’s well struck effort from the edge of the box.
The Guinea goalkeeper produced one of the finest saves of the tournament in the 82nd minute when he dived to his left to parry Anthony Mfede’s well-taken free kick from a distance which ended any hopes of a comeback for Cameroon.
The final will be played on Sunday when title holders Morocco take on Mali at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
