Guinea end Indonesia’s Paris 2024 dream

Guinea dashed Indonesia’s hopes of appearing in the Paris Olympic Games with a 1-0 win in the AFC-CAF playoff at the Stade Pierre Pibarot, France, on Thursday.

Having sealed the last berth available, Guinea will face France, the United States and New Zealand in Group A of Paris 2024.

For Indonesia, it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign that had seen them defeat South Korea en route to finishing fourth in the recent Under-23 Asian Cup in Doha.

Both teams advanced to the playoff after finishing fourth in their qualifying tournaments.

Guinea were the first to settle with Facinet Conte picking out Aguibou Camara in the second minute at the edge of the box, only for the Atromitos midfielder to send his effort over the bar.

The African side continued to apply pressure and had another look at goal in the fifth minute when Algassime Bah raced through the centre before cutting back into the box only to see his shot blocked for a corner.

Indonesia were kept on their toes with defender Muhammad Ferarri stepping up to deny Bah from just above the box in the 12th minute.

Guinea finally found the breakthrough in the 29th minute following Witan Sulaeman’s foul on Bah inside the box, with Ilaix Moriba making no mistake from the spot as he sent Indonesia keeper Ernando Ari the wrong way.

Guinea continued to hold the upperhand in the second half and almost increased their lead in the 55th minute when Madiou Keita channelled the ball to Bah, who sent a well-timed pass to Mohamed Soumah but his effort from close range was cleared on the line.

Indonesia conceded another penalty in the 78th minute only for Bah to turn it against the bar with Indonesia head coach Shin Tae Yong receiving his marching orders for dissent.

In a desperate attempt to keep their Olympic dream alive, Indonesia poured bodies forward but their efforts were futile as Guinea held on for the win.