Champions Ivory Coast ensured they will defend their title at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations after drawing 1-1 at home to Sierra Leone.<\/p>\n
Needing a point to qualify, an acrobatic goal from Jonathan Kodjia after 37 minutes calmed home nerves.<\/p>\n
But after Kei Kamara equalised midway through the second half, the tension was palpable.<\/p>\n
Another away goal would have knocked the 2015 Nations Cup winners out but they held on despite a nervy finish.<\/p>\n
Salomon Kalou was a surprise starter for the Elephants as he had been expected to miss out following the recent deaths of both his father and aunt.<\/p>\n
However, the Hertha Berlin striker was involved in the build-up to the goal as Kodjia, a recent signing for Aston Villa, hooked the ball over the goalkeeper from near the penalty spot.<\/p>\n
It was looking good for coach Michel Dussuyer’s side but Sierra Leone had aspirations of a first Nations Cup qualification since 1996 when Kamara, back in the team after ending a self-imposed 10-month exile, drew the visitors level.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, it was the hosts who came closest to the game’s third goal as Serge N’Guessan hit the bar late on, with the final whistle following shortly after.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Senegal beat Namibia 2-0 to become the only team to qualify with a 100% record for January’s finals in host nation Gabon.<\/p>\n
Goals from Diao Balde Keita and a penalty from Famara Diedhiou, either side of a missed spot-kick by Mame Biram Diouf, gave the Teranga Lions a perfect record in Group K.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Niger host Burundi in the group’s final match as both play for pride.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Source: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Champions Ivory Coast ensured they will defend their title at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations after drawing 1-1 at home to Sierra Leone. Needing a point to qualify, an acrobatic goal from Jonathan Kodjia after 37 minutes calmed home nerves. But after Kei Kamara equalised midway through the second half, the tension was palpable. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":245563,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[142],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n