AFCON 2021: Ivory Coast top group E after 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea
The Elephants of Ivory Coast played out an entertaining match against Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Wednesday.
Patrice Beaumelle’s side shot to the top of Group E after a 1-0 victory against the well drilled Nzalang Naciona.
Ivory Coast who came into the match as favourites opened the scoring early on.
Max-Alain Gradel’s right footed shot from outside the box found the top right corner of the net to beat Equatorial Guinea Keeper Manuel Mbara Sapunga in spectacular fashion.
Coach Beaumelle says the Elephants will hold back the victory Equatorial Guinea.
“Equatorial Guinea has made us suffer and I am not at all surprised even if our adversary remains ourselves. If we learn to play simple, nothing bad can happen to us. I really liked the first 15 minutes with the fluidity,” he said.
