In a crucial Group A match in Abidjan on Monday, Ivory Coast faced the precipice of elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, suffering a resounding 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea.
The two-time champions now find themselves in an anxious wait, hoping to secure a spot in the last 16 as one of the top four third-placed teams.
Despite numerous missed opportunities for the home team, Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue initiated the scoring before halftime, and Pablo Ganet showcased brilliance with a free-kick after the break. Nsue concluded his outstanding performance with a fifth goal of the tournament just minutes before the match’s end. Jannick Buyla further added to Ivory Coast’s woes with a counterattack goal in the 88th minute.
This defeat propelled Equatorial Guinea into the knockout stage as the group winner with a total of seven points. Meanwhile, in the other Group A fixture, Nigeria secured second place on goal difference by defeating Guinea-Bissau 1-0, leaving Ivory Coast with a slim hope that their three points will suffice to qualify among the four best third-place finishers, all of whom advance to the last 16.
Nigeria’s victory was sealed by an own-goal from Guinea-Bissau’s Opa Sanganté in the 36th minute, as he inadvertently intercepted a cross intended for Victor Osimhen.
