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Hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, La Côte d’Ivoire suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A match.
the hosts went into the game knowing they needed at least a draw to progress to the next round of the competition, but failed to meet expectations.
34-year-old Emilio Nsue opening the scoring with a tidy finish just before half time.
He applied an excellent finish to Carlos Akpo’s tailor measured pass to put Equatorial Guinea in front.
— starsball (@starsballsvn) January 22, 2024
The hosts probed for the leveler but could not find the cohesiveness and cutting edge, required to break down the tactically proficient Equitoguineans.
With eighteen minutes remaining, Equatorial Guinea were awarded a free kick when Boly handled the ball just putside the Côte d’Ivoire penalty box.
The Equatoguineans took full advantage to consolidate their lead through an expertly dispatched Pablo Ganet free kick.
The goal was no more than their efforts deserved.
— starsball (@starsballsvn) January 22, 2024
Just after restart, the Ivorians were punished again for their sloppiness when they gave the ball away.
Jose Machin led the counter attack and eventually fed Emilio Nsue who slotted home his fifth goal of the tournament, and his country’s third of the match.
— starsball (@starsballsvn) January 22, 2024
Substitute Buyla added insult to injury when he scored from a rebound with three minutes remaining.
— starsball (@starsballsvn) January 22, 2024
In the days other match, Nigeria beat Guinea Bissau 1-0 to finish in second place with six points, while Equatorial Guinea finish top of the group with seven points.
The result leaves the tournament hosts in third place with three points in third place.
La Côte d’Ivoire may yet qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams at the end of the group stages.
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Ghananewshome
