Equatorial Guinea – Ivory Coast: 0-1
Ivory Coast: Gradel (5th)
A victory that launches the Ivory Coast in this group E. Despite a tricky meeting, the men of Patrice Beaumelle provided the essential.
The Elephants have the necessary desire to take the opposing defense in the first seconds. And it was only after five minutes of play that Max-Alain Gradel managed to score the first goal of his selection in this African Cup of Nations. In the right place at the right time, the former Toulouse player, with a powerful right-footed exterior, took on Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper Sapunga by default. The ball ended its race in the left skylight. The goal did the Elephants good but the Nzalang Nacional players showed a good face to contain the opposing attacking players. With a slight delay at the end of the first, Juan Micha’s players have given themselves the means to believe in this part.
Ivory Coast got scared
Sometimes the easiest matches are the hardest. This is the observation that must think the coach of the Ivory Coast Patrice Beaumelle. Yet the Elephants were warned. In front of them, the players of Equatorial Guinea put the intensity necessary to try to make doubt the formation of Sébastien Haller. Without succeeding in spite of a clear opportunity of Emilio Nsue (62nd) which could have allowed the players of Juan Micha to return to the scoreboard. Despite the constant danger of their opponent, the Ivory Coast has shown defensive solidity. The Ivorian bench had a positive impact on the game of the Elephants with players who are technically comfortable.
The performance of Patrice Beaumelle’s men was not attractive, but the victory is at the end. The Elephants take the lead of their group ahead of Algeria and Sierra Leone (1 points) thanks to this precious success.
END OF GAME! ⏰#TeamEquatorialGuinea 0️⃣-1️⃣ #TeamCotedIvoire
Max Gradel’s strike is enough to seal a perfect start to the ‘Elephants’! ????#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #CAN2021 | #GNQCIVpic.twitter.com/ULUV54lSzF
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 – FR (@caf_online_FR) January 12, 2022
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