Elephants gore Tunisia to death
IVORY Coast put up an improved performance in their 3-0 win over Tunisia to book themselves a place in the knockout stages of the Afcon finals. Yesterday s victory was a well deserved ’ win for the star-studded Elephants, who are chasing their first continental soccer showpiece title in 21 years.
In an unusual move, Ivory Coast started the game with their popular captian Didier Drogba relegated to the bench after a poor showing in their opening match against Togo, which the Elephants won 2-1. Drogba s place was taken by his ’ former teammate at Chelsea, Salamon Kalou, who is now plying his trade in France.
Ivory Coast started cautiously against the 2004 Afcon champions. Their first attempt was in the 12th minute, when Kalou narrowly headed wide after connecting a cross from Romaric N diri with goalie ’ Ben Moez at his mercy.
Kalou fluffed yet another scoring opportunity when he hastily ballooned the ball over the bar after Gervinho s pass ’ four minutes later.
Gervinho broke the deadlock in the 21st minute after a spectacular back pass from Lacina Traore.
At this stage Ivory Coast, inspired by the beating of drums and blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, were beginning to dominate.
They were frequenting Tunisian goalie Ben Moez s goal ’ area as if they were invited guests, with golden midfielder Yaya Toure calling the shots in the midfield, forcing Tunisia to chase their shadows.
Tunisia were no pushovers though.
They looked dangerous when launching counter attacks but seemed to be suffering from the South African disease of failing to score goals. Ivory Coast s
’ plea to be awarded a penalty in the 41st minute fell on deaf ears after Tunisian captain Chammam Khelil handled. This after Khelil tried to clear Yaya Toure s shot.
’ China-based Drogba got huge applause from the crowd when he came on for Traore in the 65th minute despite the fact that he seems to have left his scoring boots in China.
Yaya Toure made it 2-0 in the 86th minute and second half substitute Didier Ya Konan hammered the final nail into Tunisia's coffin in the 89th.
The Elephants will wrap up their group stages campaign against Algeria here in Phokeng on January 30 at 5pm, while Tunisia and Togo will meet in Mbombela at the same time. Meanwhile, Chumani Bambani writes that substitute Dove Wome sealed Togo s
’ victory over Algeria in added time after Emmanuel Adebayor s 31st minute goal.
’