A stunning early strike by Max-Alain Gradel gave Cote d’Ivoire a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations in Douala on Wednesday, at the Japoma Stadium.
Ex-Bournemouth and Leeds forward Max-Alain Gradel lashed the two-time champions ahead from 20 yards with the outside of his right foot just five minutes into the game.
Unhappy Equatorial Guinea protested for a foul on Jose Machin in the build-up, but referee Redouane Jiyed confirmed the goal would stand after consulting his pitchside monitor.
While Ibrahim Sangaré had two chances to double the lead before half-time, Equatorial Guinea proved more than a match. The minnows had several good chances as they showed little fear of their opponents with their captain Emilio Nsue failing to convert and Iban Salvador sliced their best one horribly wide from seven yards.
Nicolas Pepe could have settled it, but keeper Manuel Sapunga Mbara denied the Arsenal forward with a fine fingertip save. Substitute Wilfried Zaha also steered wastefully wide late on for Ivory Coast.
Patrice Beaumelle’s side go top of Group E after defending champions Algeria drew with Sierra Leone on Tuesday
Ivory Coast face Sierra Leone in their second game on Sunday, while Equatorial Guinea take on Algeria later that evening.
MOLATsportgist 