The Bologna striker converted Yusupha Bobb's pass 71 minutes into a tight match in Bafoussam on Monday, his second goal of the tournament proving the only one of the tie against Guinea.

Gambia were reduced to ten men when Yusupha Njie was dismissed for a second yellow card 15 minutes after coming on as substitute.

In the remaining six minutes left Gambia survived an onslaught during which Ibrahima Sory Conte hit the post before goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye turned Jose Kante's follow-up onto the woodwork.

The small west Africa nation also overcame a bout of food poisoning that forced two players out of the starting line-up an hour before kick off.

Guinea, who badly missed the drive of their suspended captain, Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita, also had a man dismissed, Conte receiving a second caution in the last minute of injury-time.

Gambia had to pre-qualify for the tournament having been ranked 161 in the world when the draw was made. The Scorpions edged past Djibouti on penalties in that preliminary round and are are still only 150th. This is their debut in the finals which began in 1957.

Tom Saintfiet, their Belgian manager, has forged an impressive unit from players largely based at moderate clubs across Europe, including some who arrived in the continent as refugees.

Australian Associated Press