Guirassy stoppage-time stunner secures crucial win for Guinea over DR Congo

Guinea edged closer to securing a spot in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 1-0 victory over group leaders DR Congo in Abidjan on Saturday night.

Serhou Guirassy's stoppage-time strike sealed all three points, setting up a high-stakes finale against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

The match began at a cautious pace, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.

DR Congo, already assured of qualification, showed glimpses of their quality but lacked sharpness in the final third.

Guinea, on the other hand, dominated possession but failed to capitalize on opportunities in the first half.

Guirassy came closest to breaking the deadlock before halftime, but his header was saved by Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The Syli National kept the pressure on, but the Congolese defense, led by captain Chancel Mbemba, held firm.

The second half saw an increase in intensity, with both teams pushing for a breakthrough.

Fiston Mayele's header for DR Congo narrowly missed the target, while Guinea's Aliou Baldé and Abdoulaye Touré saw their efforts blocked.

As the match edged into stoppage time, it looked destined to end in a stalemate.

However, Issiaga Sylla's pinpoint cross found Guirassy, who rifled a right-footed shot into the top corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The result propels Guinea to second place in Group H with 9 points, two ahead of Tanzania, who drew 0-0 with Ethiopia earlier.

With DR Congo already through, the final group match between Guinea and Tanzania will decide who joins them at the continental showpiece.

A draw will be enough for Guinea, while Tanzania must win to qualify.