Gradel Tributes Late-Dad With Goal Against Equatorial Guinea

The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire won on Wednesday against Equatorial Guinea via a 1-0 scoreline, making their way into contention in the AFCON 2021 football tournament, in Douala, Cameroon.

It couldn’t have been scripted better. It was winger, Max Alain Gradel, who gifted the 2-time AFCON winners all three points, with his first half effort.

Gradel lost his father on January 5, whilst preparing to travel to Cameroon for the AFCON finals.

The captain of the Elephants, Max-Alain Gradel, received a pass, slotted to his path, near the penalty area, before energetically struck the ball that escaped the clutch of goalkeeper Sapunga Mbara, in the 5th minute of play.

The Ivorian players protecting thier lead, controlled the game’s tempo during the first thirty minutes.

But, at the end of the first half, Equatorial Guinea sniffed a chance in the camp of the Elephants, but didn’t capitalizing on the spaces offered to them, by Baumelle’s defense.

In the second half, there were still loopholes to exploit in the game of Côte d’Ivoire. Equatorial Guinea had a big chance in the 62nd minute with striker Basilio Owono, whose shot was stopped by the Elephants goalkeeper – Sangare, covering up for Sylvain Gbohouo.

In the last quarter of an hour, the Ivorian selection couldn’t seal the deal despite numerous scoring chances.

Equatorial Guinea knocked hard in vain as the Elephants kept her lone goal until the final whistle. Ivorian – Jean Michaël Seri was declared the player of the match. With this victory, the Elephants take the lead in group E.

The game took place under the watchful eyes of former skipper, Didier Drogba.