…As Morocco takes on Togo
After a disappointing game against lowly rated Togo in their first game, Cote d’Ivoire will today battle RD Congo to redeem image in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon. Cote d’Ivoire made a poor start to their title defence Monday when they were held 0-0 by lowest Group C seeds, Togo in Gabonese town Oyem.
Paris Saint-Germain defender, Serge Aurier, was a terror in that match when he almost came close to breaking the deadlock with two minutes remaining in the keenly contested duel.sparkle.
The result maintained a trend of stalemates in the 2017 tournament, which kicked off, as four of the first five matches at the opening ties failed to produce a winner. “It is not the start that we would have liked,” admitted Ivory Coast coach Michel Dussuyer, who succeeded French Ligue 1-bound Herve Renard after the 2015 triumph.
“We were warned (outsiders Zimbabwe holding Algeria Sunday), but could not raise our level of play to do better than that. “There are still two matches left. We expect more from ourselves. We did not manage to put intensity into our game. and it was very hot.
The Ivorian starting lineup included two English Premier League footballers, Manchester United defender, Eric Bailly and Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. Abidjan-born Zaha was making his first competitive debut for the Elephants having switched international allegiance after two friendly appearances for adopted country England. In other duel of the day, Morocco will take on Togo to determine their stand in the championship.
