Keita stars as Guinea extinguishes the Flames of Malawi in tight Group B clash

Guinea did enough to claim a 1-0 over Malawi at Stade de Kouekong in Bafoussam to get on the right track in their AFCON Group B. But the Flames will feel mighty annoyed with themselves as their finishing let them down repeatedly, allowing the National Elephants goalkeeper Aly Keita to star throughout in the Bamboutos Mountains of Cameroon's West Region.

Malawi's energetic winger Yamikani Chester showed great anticipation to cut off a pass and dart toward the goal with 17 minutes on the clock, but the nerves got to the former Las Vegas Lights player but his early shot allowed Aly Keita to easily save his tame effort.

22.00: (3.60) Comores (3.00) Gabon (2.40)

It was the constant pressure from the red and yellow-kitted out Guineans that resulted in a well-worked goal around ten minutes before the break. Liverpool man and team captain Naby Keita played an inviting diagonal ball to the left-hand side of Malawi's area. Spanish-born attacker Jose Kante controlled it neatly and squared for Issiaga Sylla to prod home.

The Flames felt that they could still go to the half-time break level, but Aly Keita managed to keep two promising attempts out: a long-range rocket by captain Limbikani Mzava and especially a delicious curling effort from Peter Banda that looked destined for the top corner of the net.

The Malawi team was depleted even before kick-off with just four substitutes, two of which were goalkeepers, on their bench. There was nearly a brawl between the Flames at the break when a defensive mix-up resulted in added tensions. Aguibou Camara had two opportunities in space of seconds to double the lead, but goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe was alert.

Richard Mbulu came on for the injured Chester and had a glorious chance to make it a grand entrance indeed. The Baroka FC striker served up a well-timed pass to Francisco Madinga, but the latter inexplicably shot straight at Aly Keita, who was already looking like a prime candidate for the MOTM title.

Malawi's chances led Kaba Diawara's team to start using every chance to waste time. The disgraceful pattern was best (or rather worst) demonstrated by Ibrahima Sory Conte, who took a tumble holding his right knee, prompting the medics with the stretcher to come on and see to him. But after a minute of negotiations, he refused the stretcher so he could waste a bit more time by lying on the pitch. As he was limping off the playing surface, he was awarded a yellow card.

However, the National Elephants weren't punished for their antics and they held on to secure the points that see them assume the Group B top spot alongside Morocco.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Group B

Monday

Guinea - Malawi 1-0 (1-0)

/Sylla 35/

Morocco - Ghana 1-0 (0-0)

/Boufal 83/