Nations Cup: Guinea crush Botswana

Sadio Diallo scored Guinea's first two goals

Guinea kept their Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes alive with a 6-1 demolition of Botswana in Franceville.

Although Sadio Diallo's early opener was cancelled out by Dipsy Selolwane's retaken penalty, Guinea's dominance was rarely challenged.

Diallo and Abdoul Camara struck before Botswana's Patrick Motsepe was sent off in the final moments of the first half.

Ibrahima Traore scored from the resultant free-kick, and Mamadou Bah and Naby Soumah struck late on.

Victory moved Guinea level on points with Mali, who beat them in their opening Group D game.

Diallo opened his account in the 15th minute after dashing on to a loose pass inside the box, but goalkeeper Naby Yattara's foul on Jerome Ramatlhakwana allowed Selolwane to equalise from the spot.

His first effort was saved, but referee Bouchaib El Ahrach ordered a retake because Yattara moved off his line too early. Selolwane found the top right-hand corner of the net with his second attempt.

The Syli Nationale soon restored their lead through the unmarked Diallo, then Abdoul Camara powered home from close range.

In the final moment of the half, Motsepe was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Pascal Feindouno, and Traore bent the free-kick home via the post.

Two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game - the first courtesy of a deflection - confirmed Guinea's superiority.

"We had to impose our way of playing and today the mission was done,'' said Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer.

"We needed to win because we don't want to go back home.

"Botswana showed in their qualifiers they are a good team, so to score six goals against them was very satisfying for my team."

Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane said: "We have to accept this and continue with our mission.

"We are a small nation - it's not an excuse - with limited professional players compared to other teams here. We are sorry to our fans."