AFCON 2021: Cote D’Ivoire Dump Algeria Out But Receive Unpleasant ‘Gift’ In R16

Holders of the AFCON title – Algeria, have been shown the door at the group stage of the AFCON 2022, after Cote D’Ivoire’s victory. But hand on a minute, who does Cote D’Ivoire play in the next round? The Pharaohs of Egypt, record 8-time cup winners.

Beaten on Thursday by Côte d’Ivoire via a brilliant scoreline (3-1), the Desert Foxes went through a real nightmare in Douala, and finished last in Pool E.

It would have been more for the Cote D’Ivoire, who missed many more chances. Cote D’Ivoire made way with ease into the camp of Algeria and the Elephants missed a few scoring opportunities in the first half before being effective in two occasions, scored respectively by Franck Kessié (23 ‘) and Ibrahim Sangaré (40 ‘).

Returning after the pose,
from the locker room, Côte d’Ivoire increased the scoring with a third goal from Nicolas Pépé (55′).

In the 74th minute, Algeria, following pressure a run of sustained pressure, reduced the score thanks to a header from Sofiane Bendebka.

Sebastian Haller’s last minute header would have made it four for Cote D’Ivoire, if it wasn’t chopped off for offside.

The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, have qualified with seven points, and stayed atop Group E.

In the same group E, Equatorial Guinea, winners against Sierra Leone, accompanied the Elephants in the round of 16. Côte d’Ivoire meets Egypt in the next round.

Since 1970, Egypt has won 11 times against Cote D’Ivoire, Drawn 3, and lost 7 in 21 meetings.