K. Alhaji’s late equaliser has delayed the qualifications of the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire. The Ivorians failed to maintain their narrow lead to the end.
The second round encounter could have been the most interesting so far in the tournament. Cote D’Ivoire was leading the match with two goals against one.
Extra time of three minutes had been added and Cote D’Ivoire was all but sure of victory in the Group F match. Just then, the goalkeeper goofed and it ended in a draw.
K. Alhaji came from the bench to secure the draw for the Sierra Leone squad in the clash with two times African champions.
S. Haller had opened the score line for Cote D’Ivoire in the 25th minute. Musa Kamara returned the goal in the 52nd minute to increase the tempo of the match.
Thereafter, Arsenal’s player, Nicolas Pepe pushed Cote D’Ivoire forward with an assist from Sangare.
Ivorian fans were already in celebration mood. They were waiting for the centre referee to blow the final whistle to end the encounter.
Just then Kamara Alhaji cashed in on Sangare’s error. With so much struggle, Kamara Alhaji slipped in the ball into the net.
Cote D’Ivoire would have booked a place in the knockout stage if they beat their counterparts from West Africa, Sierra Leone.
The draw has kept alive the Sierra Leone hope to play in the knockout stage having made two points from two matches.
Cote D’Ivoire would have to wait for its last game against Algeria if at all it will qualify for the next stage of the 33rd AFCON in Cameroon.
Follow us on social media
