Guinea began their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 victory over regional rivals Niger on Monday at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The all important goal of the game was scored by Mohamed Bangoura II shortly after the restart following a VAR review.
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In a repeat of their thrilling 2-2 draw at the 2016 edition, expectations were high for another open contest, but both sides approached the encounter with caution, especially in the early stages.
Guinea came into the match unbeaten in open play in their last seven CHAN games, while Niger sought to avoid a third straight tournament defeat.
Chances were few and far between in the first half with long-range efforts from Lansana Sylla and Théodore Jules testing the goalkeepers but never truly threatening to break the deadlock.
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The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half. Guinea winger Alhassane Bangoura whipped in a low cross from the left and Bangoura II reacted first, steering a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The assistant referee initially raised his flag, but after a brief VAR check, the goal was confirmed sending the Syli Nationale bench into celebration.
The result gives Guinea an early edge in a highly competitive Group C, which also includes hosts Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa.
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