Recent years in world football has seen us witness more than a few sensational upsets. If The Elephants do not play to their strengths, this game could be the latest one.

There is every reason for Ivory Coast fans to be concerned ahead of their opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations this year. As if Didier Drogba’s retirement is not damaging enough for the team, the Ivorians have put in a number of under par performances in their recent games. A chief example is their 4-3 loss while playing at home vs. DR Congo.

In a game such as Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo, the home side were expected to win in considerably comfortable style. In front of vocal their home fans in Abidjan, the atmosphere was as warm as could be. But things simply did not work out on the day.

On a day that was more about attacking than defending, Ivory Coast's efficient striking department should have been able to outscore their opponents.  Drogba or no Drogba, the likes of Kalou, Gervinho and new City man Wilfried Bony should really have had enough in their locker to see off the Congolese.   

That being said, the world will still expect to see Ivory Coast to beat Guinea. It would be a hard fought victory no doubt, but one a full-strength Elephants side should be able to conjure. Midfield maestro and captain Yaya Toure is a player capable of inspiring any team to victory and his presence was sorely missed by Manchester City during their 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the weekend. He should at least be able to lead his country to victory.

On their part, Guinea must look to stop The Elephants from expressing themselves on the field. Concetration must be 100% at all times to keep Kalou, Doumbia, Gervinho and co. from breaching the Guinea goal.

Another important defensive assignment will be the marking of Yaya Toure. The big man must not be allowed to look up and pick out the passes that can instantly undo the Guinea defence. His trademark forays forward must under no circumstances go unchecked.

Ivory Coast 1st Eleven:

1.      S. Gbohouo    
4     K. Touré    
17     S. Aurier    
22     W. Kanon    
21     E. Bertrand    
19     Y. Touré    
9     C. Tioté    
20     G. Serey Die    
8     S. Kalou    
10     Y. Gervinho    
12     W. Bony

Guinea 1st Eleven:

1.      N. Yattara    
10     K. Constant    
4     F. Pogba    
20     B. Sankoh    
17     B. Fofana    
3     Issiaga Sylla    
5     F. Camara    
8     I. Traoré    
12     I. Conté    
15     N. Keïta    
2     M. Yattara

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Côte d'Ivoire 1 - 1 Guinea

January 20, 2015 11:00amNuevo Estadio de Malabo (Malabo)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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