Watch: Hibernians goalkeeper Kone plays for Guinea against Salah’s Egypt

Mosta’s Mafoumbi between the sticks for Congo Republic against Mali

The June window for national teams has seen the launch of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications with a couple of Malta-based players in action for their respective countries.

Ibrahim Kone, fresh from winning the Maltese title with Hibernians, was in the starting formation for Guinea as they faced African giants Egypt in Cairo.

Egypt were the better team throughout the match but could not find a way past an inspired Kone. The Hibernians goalkeeper, who has extended his contract until 2023 with the Paolites, produced a number of saves including on a Mohamed Salah’s free-kick.

Nonetheless, he could do nothing when a Mohamed’s shot was deflected by a Guinea player before ricocheting past him in the 86th minute.

Guinea will play their second match from Group D on Thursday when they host Malawi.

During the 2021/2022 season, Kone played 20 league games and conceded just 15 goals.

Meanwhile, Mosta goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi played in Congo Republic’s opening qualifier as they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Mali.

Mafoumbi, who played six matches for the Blues in the last campaign, will be in action again for his country when they face Tom Saintfiet’s Gambia on Wednesday.

Saintfiet’s side launched their assignments with a 1-0 win against South Sudan.

Photo: Hibernians FC.