Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Ivory Coast: AFCON giants edge to opening win
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Ivory Coast: AFCON heavyweights edge to an opening group stage victory in their trophy bid, with Max Gradel on target after just five minutes to down the spirited minnows in Douala
- Ivory Coast began their bid to win the AFCON by beating Equatorial Guinea
- Max Gradel smashed an effort into the top corner for the winner on five minutes
- The minnows fought valiantly but failed to take a host of their golden chances
Max-Alain Gradel’s early goal was enough to secure the Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday but the minnows proved no pushovers in the Group E encounter.
Gradel, captaining a powerful Ivorian team that had Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha on the bench, struck home a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area in the sixth minute as they made a rapid start to the clash at the Japoma Stadium.
But while Ibrahim Sangare had two chances to double the lead before halftime, Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa’s smallest countries, proved more than a match.
Max Gradel (right) was on target as Ivory Coast began their AFCON trophy bid with a victory
The minnows had several good chances as they showed little fear of their heavyweight opponents with their captain Emilio Nsue failing to convert the best of them.
More to follow.
MATCH FACTS
Equatorial Guinea: Sapunga Mbara, Akapo (Meseguer 89) Obiang Obono, Coco, Ndong, Salvador (Siafa 82), Ganet, Pepin, Buyla, Nsue, Hanza (Nlavo 64)
Subs not used: Anvene, Magno Mba, Balboa, Akapo, Oba, Nsue
Booked: Nlavo
Manager: Casto Nopo
Ivory Coast: B. Sangare, Maiga, Bailly, Deli, Konan, I. Sangara, Seri, Kessie (Die 71), Gradel (Pepe 71), Haller (Kouame 82), Cornet (Zaha 71)
Subs not used: Ira, Konate, Boly, Kossounou, Kouassi, Traore, Cisse, Boli
Goals: Gradel 5
Booked: I. Sangare
Manager: Patrice Beaumelle
Gradel picked up the ball outside the box and crashed home into the Equatorial Guinea net
Goal scorer Gradel was mobbed by his team-mates, having thumped home the opener early on
The minnows battled valiantly in Douala, but were ultimately condemned to an opening defeat
Share this article
Source: Read Full Article