By John Essien
Heavyweights, Senegal were held to a goalless draw by a less fancied Malawi side on Tuesday, but still finished top of Group B to advance into the round of 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.
The Teranga Lions won the group with five points, despite scoring only once in their three matches via a late Sadio Mane penalty against Zimbabwe in their opening game.
Malawi now have to wait to see if they will finish as one of the best third-placed teams to reach the next round.
In the other fixture which was played simultaneously, a shock 2-1 defeat from Zimbabwe who have already been eliminated, could not stop Guinea from accompanying group winners Senegal to the round of 16.
Liverpool star midfielder Naby Keita’s goal was only a consolation for Guinea, as first half goals from Knowledge Musona (26 minutes) and Kudakwashe Mahachi (43 minutes) was enough to earn Zimbabwe a first AFCON win since 2006.
The Syli Nationale ended the preliminary stage on four points behind group winners Senegal (five points).
History was made in the tie as Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga became the first woman to officiate an AFCON match.
