Alexandria, Egypt (PANA) - Guinea came from behind to beat Zambia 2-1 in their Group C match of the Africa Cup of Nations played in Alexandria, Egypt, on Thursday, thus qualifying for the quarterfinals.
In a game the Zambians dominated, leading 1-0 till the 73rd minute when the Syli National won a penalty kick that Pascal Feinduono converted to equalise 1-1, it appeared the southern Africans were on their way to securing a victory at best or a draw at worst.
The Chipolopolo boys had taken the lead in the 33rd minute with defender Elijah Tana's well-placed header from a corner kick. They dominated from this point onwards, until Guinea equalised through the penalty.
Feinduono came back a minute after regulation time to fire home his second goal, robbing the Zambians of the little hope they had to win a draw, if not an outright victory.
With two losses, the Zambians have failed to advance to the next round after losing to Tunisia 4-1 last Saturday. In both games, the Zambians were the first to score, only to be overtaken in the second half.
But Thursday's loss was perhaps the most heartbreaking for the Zambians.
The Tunisians face Bafana Bafana late Thursday in a game that could assure them qualification to the next round if they beat the South Africans.
Friday's programme calls for encounters between Ghana and Senegal, with Nigeria tackling Zimbabwe.