Guinea bow to New Zealand in Paris Olympic games opener
Guinea faced a challenging start to their campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, suffering a narrow 1-2 defeat against New Zealand in their opening match on Wednesday, July 24. The match, held at the Allianz Riviera, showcased a determined performance from both teams.
New Zealand opened the scoring in the 25th minute, with skipper Mathew Garbett finding the back of the net. The goal put Guinea under pressure, and despite their efforts to regroup, they went into halftime trailing.
The second half saw a revitalized Guinea side, pressing forward and dominating possession. Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when Amadou Diawara scored the equalizer. Diawara’s goal was a testament to Guinea’s dominance and hard work throughout the game.
However, the celebration was short-lived. Just four minutes later, New Zealand’s Ben Waine delivered a powerful shot that beat Guinea’s defense and goalkeeper, restoring New Zealand’s lead. Waine’s goal ultimately sealed the victory for New Zealand, leaving Guinea with no time to mount another comeback.
The match concluded with New Zealand securing all three points, a crucial win in Group A. Guinea’s players left the field disappointed but not disheartened, knowing they had shown resilience and promise.
The Olympic football tournament’s Group A will continue with France facing the USA later in the evening. Guinea will look to bounce back in their next match, aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stages. New Zealand, buoyed by their victory, will aim to build on their momentum as the competition progresses.
OTHER RESULTS SO FAR
Argentina Ol. 1-2 Morocco Ol.
Uzbekistan Ol. 1-2 Spain Ol.
Egypt Ol. 0-0 Dominican Republic Ol.
