Equatorial Guinea Vs. Senegal, 2012 Cup Of Nations: Last-Minute Goal Sees Senegal Knocked Out

Hosts Equatorial Guinea qualified for the second stage of the Africa Cup of Nations in dramatic fashion, breaking a 1-1 tie during stoppage time through a thunderbolt from the right boot of David Kily. Just minutes after Senegal’s Moussa Sow had seemingly postponed the party, the ball rolled out to the defender and his 30-yard blast soared over the waterlogged pitch, past Bouna Coundoul and into the back of the net to win the game.

That goal did more than just ensure that Equatorial Guinea advanced with a game to spare - it also knocked out pre-tournament favourites Senegal, who now find themselves with no points from a possible six. It’s a hugely disappointing performance by the Senegalese, who boasted three top-tier attackers this season in Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Moussa Sow, but appalling conditions in the Estadio de Bata* ensured that their more skilled players were more or less neutralised.

*The match was delayed 75 minutes thanks to a rainstorm and the pitch was still well and truly waterlogged for the entire match.

The sloppy field conditions led to a sloppy game, but there were still enough chances to keep things interesting and Senegal were stunned when the hosts converted one, Randy stealing in at the far post to head home from Kily’s cross. Facing elimination, Senegal threw as many bodies forward as possible, but nothing seemed to be working, and with time running out small parties had already broken out in the stands.

Sow’s goal, a hooked volley after a scramble in the box, put a stop to the premature celebrations, but Kily’s brilliant hit saw them redoubled. Equatorial Guinea are through, and Senegal are out.