Stalemate in Harare

The Syli Nationale of Guinea traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe this Sunday for a crucial World Cup qualifier. The result was an acceptable 0-0 stalemate that the left the home fans in a dour mood as Zimbabwe have all but been eliminated from the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. While not an ideal result for Guinea it is good enough.

As expected it was Zimbabwe who dominated the early exchanges in the game and had the best attempts on goal throughout the first half. Guinea keeper Naby Yattara was forced into making a number of saves both from the run of play and from set pieces. Yattara was given the nod in goal ahead of Youssouf Toure in Guinea’s first competitive fixture since the international retirement of long time first choice keeper Kémoko Camara. Zimbabwe striker Gilbert Mushangazhike was the main culprit for Zimbabwe’s missed chances. In the 23rd minute Zimbabwe thought they took the lead but Mushangazhike’s headed goal was correctly disallowed for offside.

Guinea began to get more involved late in the first half as captain Pascal Feindouno headed over the bar and Ibrahima Bangoura shot over the bar. The second half was more evenly poised as neither side came too close to goal. Guinea’s chances of picking up a win were pretty ended when substitute Amara Bangoura saw straight red for a tackle in the 74th minute. The Guinea defense coped well despite being down a man and the only real chance the rest of the way for Zimbabwe was a free kick in stoppage time that Yattara dealt well with. For a full match report of the game go here.

While Guinea certainly was hoping for a win the draw leaves them in a good enough position. While it is now impossible for Guinea to move on as one of the 8 best second placed teams they can still win the group. The final match of the round is next month at home in Conakry against group leaders Kenya. If Guinea win that game which the faithful home crowd will expect then Guinea win the group and advance. Anything else and Guinea will face an embarrassing exit from World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifying.

In the other game of the group Kenya saw off Namibia in Nairobi 1-0 courtesy of a Mohammed Jamal penalty shortly before halftime. The result eliminates Namibia and moves Kenya two points clear of Guinea. Unlike Guinea, Kenya can advance as a second placed team so a loss in Conakry would not necessarily prove fatal to their chances. Still they certainly go for the win. Kenya delivered in front of their home fans this weekend and it will be Guinea’s turn against the Harambee Stars next month.

The Syli Nationale should be up to the task. All that is left is for them to deliver.