By Fredrick Nadulli aka Razor,

Cote d’Ivoire 1-1 Guinea

A young Guinea side showed scant respect respect to star-studded Ivory Coast as the West Africans fought out a draw in a pulsating encounter in Malabo.The Ivorians started with ten players who ply their trade in mainstream Europe,with only goalkeeper Djounhou home based,playing for Sewe Sport in Abidjan.

It was the Syli Nationale who took the lead,Olympique Lyonnais striker Mohammed Yattara hammering a left footer into the roof after a poor defensive header by Serge Aurier.The Elephant’s best player on the night,AS Roma’s Gervinho was sent off on fifty seven minutes for violent conduct as the Ivorians grew increasingly frustrated.

Substitute Seydou Doumbia,on for Salomon Kalou,pulled his side level after a neat touch and go with Wilfried Bony.A minute later they should have gone ahead but Bony was thwarted at the near post as the Elephants stepped up a gear.

Guinea gave as much as they got but Ivory Coast held on,Kolo Toure sticking out a last ditch tackle to keep matters level.
Cameroon and Mali meet in the other fixture in group D later tonight.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com