World Cup Qualifiers:Sebastien Haller’s Brace Tames Lions In Abidjan

Ajax of Amsterdam forward Sebastien Haller scored twice in the first half to give Cote D’Ivoire the edge over Cameroon in group D of the World Cup qualifiers.

The former hammer scored at the 20th and 29 minute to move Cote D’Ivoire up to four points in group D, one point ahead of Cameroon.

The game as expected started at a lightening quick pace on a rather dismal Stade Alassane Outtara pitch.

Lions winger Christian Bassogog started on a high in the earlier stages as he dispossessed Maxwell Cornet down the right and shimmied twice before unleashing his low drive that was blocked and fell kindly for goalkeeper Gbohouo at the 8th minute.

At the 20th minute, Jean Michelle Sery’s set piece was adjudged to be handled by the Algerian referee Abib Charef despite pleas from the culprit Vincent Aboubakar. Former hammer Sebastien Haller sent goalkeeper Epassy the wrong way to gift the Elephants the lead.

Only 9 minutes after, Sebastien Halla’s darting run was met by a beautifully weighted pass from
Jean Evrard Kouassi
that was in – turn finished by Haller for his brace.

It was so messy up top that the Lions’ first shot on target came only 37 minutes in, from right back Joyskim Dawa Tchakonte.

Coming in for the second segment, Portuguese trainer Antonio Conceicao made two changes; bringing on Ekambi and Bahoken for skipper – Aboubakar and Kunde Malong Pierre.

Stephan Bahoken was making his impact felt with more hustle, trying to unsettle Bailey and Boly.

58 minutes into the game, Ekambi went in flying to get a loose ball in the Cote D’Ivoire area, and he met the boots of defender Eric Bailey as the referee awarded the second penalty on the night. The penalty was then converted by Moumi Ngamaleu who immediately made way for John Mary Uzueghunam.

Coach Baumelle on his part replied with a triple substitutions of his own, bringing off tired legs; Haller, Boga and Boly.

With a quarter of the game left, Jean Michelle Sery struck the upright with a set piece that was taken from the left after Harold Moukoudi had handled out of the 18 yard area.

Cote D’Ivoire held on to take all three points and move their point – tally to four in group D whilst waiting for the other game pitting Malawi against Mozambique.