Maldonado's brace helps Venezuela beat Guinea 2-1

Striker Giancarlo Maldonado converted two first-half penalties to lead Venezuela to a 2-1 win over Guinea in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Maldonado, who also plays for Mexican side Atlante, opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a penalty after being knocked. He extended the lead in the 39th minute after a foul against midfielder Johandry Orozco.

Guinea's Camara Abou scored from a penalty in the 79th minute after receiving a push from Venezuelan defender Jose Manuel Rey.

Both sides had few clear scoring opportunities throughout the match, which was played in Caracas' Olympic Stadium.