Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Cote d’Ivoire faced a devastating defeat, succumbing to a 4-0 loss against Equatorial Guinea.
This defeat not only propelled Equatorial Guinea to the next round as Group leaders but also left the Elephants in a precarious position, languishing in third place in Group A with just three points.
The setback casts a shadow over Cote d’Ivoire’s aspirations of advancing, especially given their current standing behind Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. With only three points to their name, the Elephants’ chances of securing a spot among the best four third-placed teams in their respective groups appear increasingly bleak.
Emilio Nsue, the standout scorer of the Nations Cup, showcased his prowess by finding the net twice during the match, in the 42nd and 76th minutes. His contributions further solidified his position as a leading goal-scorer in the competition.
The 73rd minute saw Pablo Ganet adding insult to injury with a third goal, amplifying the woes for Cote d’Ivoire. The misery was then complete when Jannick Buyla netted a goal in the final two minutes, sealing a nightmarish outcome for the Elephants.
This resounding defeat not only impacts Cote d’Ivoire’s immediate standing in the tournament but also raises questions about their ability to rebound and progress in the competition. With Equatorial Guinea emerging as the dominant force in the group, the Elephants face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign and regain their footing in the Africa Cup of Nations.