Defending champions Ivory Coast and Togo played out a goalless draw in Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Despite chances from both outfits, neither side were able to break the deadlock at the Stade d’Oyom Stadium.

Jonathan Kodija, who looked lively in attack for Ivory Coast , enjoyed the first opportunity on 10 minutes but goalkeeper Kosi Aggass was on hand to deny him. Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor then saw his chance on 24 minutes but his shot went off target. From the resulting set-piece, the ball fell to Bubeou inside the area, but his effort was blocked and cleared by Ghobhou.

Togo came close to opening the scoring on 32 minutes through Ayite ’s powerful free-kick, while Ivory Coast defender Doura-Akoriko nearly caught Aggasi off guard with an audacious effort on 40 minutes, but the Togolese shot-stopper held on to the tricky bouncing ball.

After the break, Seri capitalised on a defensive error before racing through on goal but saw his close-range effort go wide, while Ivory Coast’s Zaha worked his way into the box before seeing his shot deflected out for a corner by Atakora.

Togo continued to put the The Elephants under pressure throughout the second half, with Adebayor twice going close and Romao showing great composure to work his way into the box before seeing his effort at the near post cleared by Aurier.

Atakora’s threatening delivery in later stages of second half was collected by Gbohou, while Ivory Coast ’s Zaha had the chance to snatch a late winner, but saw his powerful effort sail over.

This was the fourth draw in the opening five games at this year’s finals where none of the pre-tournament favourites have made an impact but will be a seen as a moral victory for Togo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco meet later on Monday in Oyem in the second Group C encounter.

Line ups:

Ivory Coast XI: Gbohouo; Aurier, Bailly, Kanon, A.Traore; Serey Die, Seri (Doukoure 65′), Kessie; Zaha (Bony 70′), Kodjia (Gradel 83′), Kalou.

TogoXI: Agassa; Gakpe, Romao, Ouro-Akoriko, Djene; Dossevi (Agbegniadan 87′), F.Ayite, Atakora, Bebou; Laba (Akakpo 82′), Adebayor (Boukari 89′).