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.