Equatorial Guinea dealt a decisive 4-0 blow to Ivory Coast in their Africa Cup of Nations clash, placing the Elephants in an unexpected struggle for survival in the group stage. The National Thunder’s remarkable triumph, highlighted by Emilio Nsue’s double, Pablo Ganet’s stunning 25-yard free-kick, and Yannick Buyla’s late goal, catapults them to the top of Group A. As Equatorial Guinea Dumps Hosts Cote D’ivoire Out of AFCON 2023.
Despite being heavily favored, Ivory Coast has been eliminated, unless a miracle happens. Equatorial Guinea capitalized on the Ivorians’ missed opportunities, converting mistakes into a historic victory. The home crowd expressed disbelief and frustration as the final whistle sounded, with some players visibly emotional and others facing jeers from fans. This surprising outcome has thrown Group A into uncertainty, casting doubts on Ivory Coast’s advancement prospects.
What Next for Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has only faced elimination in the group stage once in the last nine editions of the tournament, which occurred in 2017. The two-time champions now face an anxious wait to determine if they will advance to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Jean-Louis Gasset’s team must rely on a series of favorable results to avoid an early exit from the competition after enduring their most substantial home defeat in history. Equatorial Guinea’s three goals in 15 minutes prompted thousands of Ivory Coast supporters to leave the stadium in disbelief, as their team suffered an embarrassing setback.
Despite a promising start, the Ivorians struggled to create clear-cut chances. Oumar Diakite’s wild effort and Nicolas Pepe’s potential penalty appeal went unrewarded. Equatorial Guinea took a surprise lead just before half-time, with Carlos Akapo providing the assist for Emilio Nsue’s goal.
Ibrahim Sangare’s disallowed goal and missed opportunities from close range by Sangare and Christian Kouame added to Ivory Coast’s frustrations. VAR denied them an equalizer in the 67th minute, and Equatorial Guinea capitalized on their opponent’s profligacy, with Pablo Ganet scoring a spectacular free-kick. Nsue sealed the historic victory with his fifth goal of the tournament on a quick counter-attack.
In the dying minutes, Jannick Buyla extended Equatorial Guinea’s lead, denting Ivory Coast’s goal difference. Despite a mishit strike in added time, Equatorial Guinea Dumps Hosts Cote D’ivoire Out of AFCON 2023, celebrating their memorable triumph.