Emilie Haavi broke down the Equatorial Guinea defence six minutes from time to give Norway a 1-0 win in the opening Group D match of the Women's World Cup.
Norway hit the post three times, and looked like they might have to settle for a disappointing goalless draw against the tournament outsiders.
But substitute Leni Larsen Kaurin broke free in the 84th minute to enable unmarked Haavi to slot the ball in.
Brazil face Australia in Wednesday's other Group D game in Moenchengladbach.
Despite the loss, Guinea played with skill that belied their Fifa world ranking of 61.
Captain Anonman had several clear chances, and should have given the west Africans the lead in the 53rd minute when she put the ball wide after forcing a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth in front of 12,928 fans in a half-empty Augsburg Arena.
Guinea's squad was weakened before the start of the championship when striker Jade Boho was suspended from the tournament over Spanish citizenship issues.
Norway hit the post three times, and looked like they might have to settle for a disappointing goalless draw against the tournament outsiders.
Brazil face Australia in Wednesday's other Group D game in Moenchengladbach.
Despite the loss, Guinea played with skill that belied their Fifa world ranking of 61.
Captain Anonman had several clear chances, and should have given the west Africans the lead in the 53rd minute when she put the ball wide after forcing a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth in front of 12,928 fans in a half-empty Augsburg Arena.
Guinea's squad was weakened before the start of the championship when striker Jade Boho was suspended from the tournament over Spanish citizenship issues.
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