2015 AFRICA CUP - GROUP D - DAY 04 - Ivory Coast vs Guinea 1:1
Ivory Coast vs Guinea 1:1
Guinea took a 36th-minute lead when Mohamed Yattara volleyed in.
Ex-Arsenal striker Gervinho, who had hit the bar in the first half, was dismissed on 58 minutes for a slap.
Ibrahima Traore almost doubled the lead when his shot hit the bar, but Ivory Coast rescued themselves when Seydou Doumbia slotted low into the corner.
That outcome seemed unlikely when Gervinho was given his marching orders - he had been by far the game's best player, while his team-mates had looked well short of their potential.
Boasting the attacking talents of Wilfried Bony, now one of Africa's most expensive players since his £28m move to Manchester City, plus new his club-mate Yaya Toure and Gervinho, the Elephants were expected to win comfortably,
But Guinea showed all the character that had got them to the finals - they qualified despite not being able to play matches at home because of the Ebola crisis in their country - to hold their own.
Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard:
"If it was before the game we wouldn't be happy with this result.
In the first half we weren't fantastic but should have been in front from two chances for Gervinho.
Then we lost a goal from an error of communication.
"We pushed forward and then Gervinho was sent off.
We had to react, but even at 10 against 11 we could have gone on to win the game.
"We were not favourites before this group because I think Cameroon were better in qualifying.
I don't think you can underestimate Guinea.
But nothing is finished."
Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer:
"The sending-off of Gervinho gave us a chance to go all the way and then we got caught out in a move right through the middle.
"We didn't turn the screw.
A draw with the Ivory Coast remains a good result.
We deserved to open the scoring and that set us on the way, and in the end we maybe just lacked a bit of experience.
"We're frustrated but it is a good result against a great team for whom we have great respect."
LINEUP, BOOKINGS & SUBSTITUTIONS
Ivory Coast
16 Gbohouo
17 Aurier Booked
04 K Touré
21 Bailly
22 Kanon
20 Gonzaroua Die Booked (Tiéné - 65' )
09 Tioté Booked
08 Kalou (Doumbia - 65' )
19 Y Touré (Doukoure - 86' )
10 Gervinho Dismissed
12 Bony
Substitutes
01 Barry
02 Diarrassouba
03 Assalé
05 Tiéné
06 Doukoure
07 Doumbia
11 Gadji-Celi Carmel Junior
13 Akpa-Akpro
14 Diomande
15 Gradel
18 Traoré
23 Mandé
Guinea
01 Yattara
20 Sankoh
05 Camara
04 Pogba
03 Sylla
15 Keita
17 Fofana
10 Constant
08 Traoré
02 Yattara (Razzagui Camara - 71' )
12 Conte
Substitutes
06 Zayatte
07 Razzagui Camara
09 Landel
11 Sylla
13 Cissé
14 Camara
16 Keita
18 Soumah
19 Kamano
21 Diarra
22 Camara
23 Paye
Ref: Mehdi Abid Charef
Côte d'Ivoire
Guinea