Guinea opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over a spirited Malawi side on Monday evening.
Left-back Issiaga Sylla scored Guinea’s only goal when he slotted in 10 minutes before the break after good hold-up play by striker Jose Kante at Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium Kouekong.
Meanwhile, West Africans had keeper Aly Keita to thank for a string of saves in their Group B encounter.
Keita pushed over three long-range strikes in the first half and later bravely dived at the feet of Yamikani Chester.
Malawi, who were appearing at their first Nations Cup since 2010, were composed on the ball throughout the game.
They had a glorious chance to take the lead from a one-on-one but striker Chester scuffed his shot straight at Keita.
Guinea then saw defender Ibrahima Sory Conte head against the upright before Sylla broke the deadlock.
Both sides were without players because of positive Covid-19 tests, but Malawi were only able to name four substitutes and have called up several reserve players to bolster their squad.
Guinea joined Senegal at the top of the group on three points after the Teranga Lions beat Zimbabwe earlier on Monday.
Guinea will face 2019 runners-up Senegal while Malawi takes on Zimbabwe on Friday.
How they lined up
Guinea XI : Aly Keita (Gk), Issiaga Sylla, Imbrahima Conte, Saidou Sow, Amadou Diawara, Naby Keita, Martinez Kante, Mohammed Bayo, Mohammed Kamara, Mamadou Kane, Aguibou Camara
Malawi XI: Ernest Kakhobwe (Gk), Denis Chembezi, Miciam Mhone, Chimwemwe Idana, Francisco Madinga, Peter Banda, Limbikani Mzava, Yamikani Chester, Gomezgani Chirwa, Khuda Myaba
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