New Zealand starts strong Paris Olympics with a win over Naby Keita’s Guinea

New Zealand’s OlyWhites commenced their 2024 Paris Olympics Men’s Football Tournament with a crucial 2-1 win against Guinea in Nice, France. This victory sets the stage for a promising campaign as they aim to replicate their quarterfinal achievement from the Tokyo Olympics. Guinea has very well-known names in their squad as former FC Barcelona young talent Ilaix Moriba and Liverpool former midfielder Naby Keita.

The match started with New Zealand in a favorable position when, after a VAR check, a penalty was awarded due to Sam Sutton being brought down in the area by Guinea goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla. Unfortunately, captain Matt Garbett’s penalty attempt went wide, keeping the score at 0-0.

However, Garbett quickly redeemed himself. Just a minute later, he seized upon a poor pass from Sylla, drove into the box, and scored with a low shot under the goalkeeper, giving New Zealand an early lead.

Guinea, showing resilience, dominated possession as the match progressed. Their efforts were eventually rewarded in the 72nd minute when Anderlecht’s Amadou Diawara fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box, beating New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen to equalize.

New Zealand’s response was swift. Ben Waine netted the decisive goal after Lachlan Bayliss created space on the edge of the Guinea box and provided a precise pass. Waine finished clinically, making it 2-1 for the Kiwis.

In the final moments, New Zealand effectively managed the game as the referee added over 11 minutes of injury time. They maintained possession and strategically wasted time, ensuring their lead and securing the three points.

With challenging fixtures against hosts France and the USA ahead, this win was crucial for Darren Bazeley’s side in their quest to advance to the knockout stages.

It’s important mention a number of the players that featured in this key achievement for New Zealand also were part of the squad that won the OFC Nations Cup last month in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Names as Alex Paulsen, Tyler Bindon, Finn Surman, Sam Sutton, Ben Waine and Oskar van Hattum were active during the undefeated run that ended up with the trophy for the All Whites.