Aguibou Camara scored in the second half to give the Guineans a precious win in the second round of the African Cup of Nations group stage, with the team just one step away from reaching the last 16.

Guinea lost to the same opponent in the 2021 finals, and Friday’s victory is the best revenge, according to Diawara.

"This victory is payback for that previous loss which was so hard to take," Diawara was quoted as saying by CAF’s official website after the game.

"Winning is more important because it shows we've improved over two years and worked hard to get better,” he added.

The 48-year-old former Guinea international Diawara acknowledged that his team was not in the best shape especially in the first half, hailing the substitutes for making the difference after the break.

"What didn't go well early on was our lack of efficiency, but after changes, things improved," Diawara explained.

"Creating chances is the hard part, now we just need to finish them off, and that will come in time,” he added.

Guinea, who are searching for their first-ever African title, will be facing holders Senegal on Tuesday in the last game of the group stage, and they need only a draw to pick a spot in the knockout phase.

Senegal already secured their place in the last 16 as they lead Group C with six points after securing two successive wins over Gambia and Cameroon, while Guinea lie second with four points from the draw with Cameroon and Gambia win.

"Facing Senegal will be the group's biggest game and we're aiming to beat the champions, not just play them," said Diawara.

"With four points already, we're targeting the top spot and trying to qualify in first place from the group,” the coach concluded.

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