New Zealand pip Guinea in Group A

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Jul 24, 2024. 19:26

In what was a tense affair at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday evening, New Zealand recorded a narrow 2-1 win against Guinea in their opening Group A fixture at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Guinea looked lively during the opening 10 minutes of the match and created a couple of scoring opportunities in the process. The likes of Ilaix Moriba and Amadou Diallo proved to be Guinea’s attackers-in-chief early on which forced New Zealand to occupy deep positions inside their own half.

Despite Guinea’s proactive attacks, New Zealand had the golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 24th minute after the VAR officials spotted a foul made by Soumaila Sylla inside the area. However, Matthew Garbett’s right-footed effort went wide of the goalkeeper’s left.

New Zealand did however, take the lead a minute after missing their penalty, as Garbett made up for his error with a right footed shot from the center of the goal.

After battling to penetrate the stubborn New Zealand backline, Guinea equalized in the 72nd minute with Amadou Diawara getting his name on the scoresheet with an effort from range.

Not holding back, it was New Zealand who had the last laugh at the Allianz Riviera as Ben Waine popped up with the winner in the 76th minute. Following a tenacious run toward the penalty box, Lachlan Bayliss evaded two Guinean defenders before squaring the ball to Waine, who calmly slotted the ball home.