Defending champions Ivory Coast held by Togo
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Updated 16/01/2017 at 18:29 GMT
Stade d’Oyum, Africa Cup of Nations Group C – Ivory Coast 0 Togo 0.
Togo's goalkeeper Kossi Agassa blocks a shot on goal by Ivory Coast's forward Jonathan Kodjia (back) during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and Togo in Oyem on January 16, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
Ivory Coast began the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title with a tame 0-0 draw with Togo in Group C.
Despite the array of attacking talent on show, including former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Hertha Berlin's Salomon Kalou and Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia, the first half was a dull affair with both sides carving out few chances.
The Elephants, who handed Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha his competitive debut, went close with Kodjia forcing the keeper into a smart save while Mathieu Dossevi and Kodjo Laba spurned good chances for The Sparrow Hawks.
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Ivory Coast's forward Wilfred Zaha (L) challenges Togo's defender Djene during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and Togo in Oyem on January 16, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
It was a slightly better game in the second period with Zaha having a low effort blocked by a despairing dive, while Laba and Serge Aurier both planted headers wide of goal.
But the game petered out into a draw with coach Michel Dussuyer looking for an improvement when his side face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday while Togo are next in action against Morocco.
TALKING POINT
Did the Ivorians look like potential champions? They have a star-studded line-up but will be disappointed by their limp display against a defensive Togo side. Despite going with a 4-3-3, Kodjia had few chances, Kalou faded and it was only Zaha who emerged with some credit. Given Senegal’s performance on Sunday over Tunisia, Dussuyer’s men need a huge improvement when they take on tougher opponents.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast): In a game of few standout performers, the winger gave a solid display on his competitive debut. He fashioned a few chances with his trickery and pace and it was a surprise to see him brought off in the closing stages for Wilfried Bony.
PLAYER RATINGS
IVORY COAST: Gbohouo 5, Kanon 5, Serey, 5 Kalou 7, Zaha 7, Kessie 6, Kodjia 6, Aurier 5, Traore 5, Bailly 5, Seri 6. Subs: Doukoure 4, Bony 5, Gradel 6.
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Ivory Coast's forward Wilfred Zaha (R) challenges Togo's forward Emmanuel Adebayor during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and Togo in Oyem on January 16, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
TOGO: Agassa 6, Dossevi 6, Ayite 5, Akoriko 6, Romao 5, Gakpe 5, Lalawele 4, Laba 6, Ortega 5, Ihlas 5, Adebayor 5. Subs: Akakpo 5, Agbegniadan 5, Boukari 5.
KEY MOMENTS:
10’ - GOOD SAVE! Kalou slides the ball to Kodjia who is through on goal but his low shot is saved by the goalkeeper.
24’ - CHANCE! Adebayor with a back heel, Laba does well to outmuscle Die on the edge of the area but snatches at the shot and it trickles wide.
29’ - GREAT SAVE! Togo mount a counter attack, Ihlas slides the ball through to Dossevi who only has the keeper to beat but his low shot is blocked on the onrushing Gbohouo.
68’ – SO CLOSE! Zaha with a trademark burst down the byline, he cuts inside and his shot is blocked by the defender on the ground.
77’ - WHAT A MISS! An unmarked Laba heads the ball over the bar from 12 yards out from Ihlas's cross from the left after good link-up play from Adebayor.
88’ - CHANCE! Gradel sends in an inviting cross from the left for Aurier, who is unmarked but plants his header wide from close range. That was a glorious opportunity.
KEY STAT
The Ivory Coast are unbeaten in five games against Togo in this competition.
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