FOOTBALL – DEFENDING champions Ivory Coast came from two goals down to beat already eliminated Gabon 3-2 in Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations last night as teenager Bazoumana Toure’s headed winner in added time in Marrakech handed them top spot in the pool.
The Ivorians finished on seven points from their three games, ahead of Cameroon on goal difference after the latter beat third-placed Mozambique 2-1.
Gabon were eliminated after the second match day following successive defeats and were without injured talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but first half goals from Guelor Kanga and Denis Bouanga gave them a 2-0 lead.
Coach Emerse Fae’s side pulled a goal back through Jean-Philippe Krasso, then forced an equaliser via Evann Guessand with six minutes remaining before Toure sealed the win that sets up a Round of 16 clash with Burkina Faso in Marrakech next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, teenage starlet Christian Kofane announced his arrival on the international stage with a stunning winner as Cameroon came from behind to beat Mozambique 2-1 and finish second in Group F.
The 19-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen was making only his second appearance for the Indomitable Lions, having turned down call-ups earlier this season to concentrate on his first Bundesliga season where he has already been making an impact. Cameroon allowed him to stay at Leverkusen until the eve of the tournament in Morocco with his first caps much anticipated. After squandering several half chances early on in last night’s clash, Kofane thrashed home a rocket-like effort from the edge of the area in the 55th minute to win the game. Five-time Cup of Nations winners Cameroon finished with six points but behind holders Ivory Coast on goal scored.
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