Cote d'Ivoire strives for the opening victory | Sports | '
It was a tough job, at the end there was a deserved 1-0 (0-0) for the Ivory Coast against South Africa. This is the Ivorern an optimal start in Group D of the Africa Cup 2019 succeeded.
In a first half of tactics and restraint, it was the Ivory Coast, which brought the first notable goal approach shortly after the start. 11 minutes into the game, Max Gradel crossed for the left, with striker Jonathan Kodija heading in the header but failing to reach the ball. The game flattened in the episode, the pace of both teams in the Egyptian afternoon heat in the stadium of Cairo (38 degrees) was manageable.
Kodija gives the biggest chance
For a long time, the South Africans did not have much ambition to put pressure on the opponent's goal. But after 25 minutes, but the first chance for "Bafana Bafana". After a corner, S'fiso Hlanti hit the ball on the left side of the penalty area, crossed into the center of the goal area, where Thulani Hlatshwayo bolted up and bounced the ball with his forehead next to the goal.
But the Ivory Coast answered promptly. First Pépé tore a free kick from the penalty line to the crossbar. Shortly thereafter, the greatest opportunity of the first half (32 min.). Again it was Kodija after a blatant defense error of the South Africans. But the Ivorer failed with his shot alone in front of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Both teams needed a longer start-up time after the break to get back on track. It was the Ivory Coast who used their first chance in the second round. After a counter-attack, Gradel served Kodija, who was completely freestanding in the middle. This time he scored from close range to make it 1-0 (64 '). The South Africans tried in the episode although to increase the pace and come to the compensation. But to a hit, it should not be enough against the compact defending Ivorer.
TUNISIA – ANGOLA 1: 1 (1: 0)
Angola's Fredy Kulembe (center) leaves Tunisia's Wajdi Kechrid (r.) Standing
The national team of Angola managed to start the Group E a surprise. The team of coach Srdjan Vasiljevic earned in the Army Stadium of Suez with a strong fighting performance a 1-1 (1-0) against favorites Tunisia.
It had long looked like Tunisia would bite its teeth against the outsider. The Angolans defended vehemently and left the favorites barely any air to breathe. And whenever the opportunity arose, Angola tried quick counterattacks. But regardless of whether Wilson Eduardo or Djalma tried to score a goal, they did not pose any real threat to the Tunisian goal.
Mskani achieves leadership for Tunisia
A single flash of inspiration sufficed Tunisia in the sequel to gain the lead. After a counterattack, Naïm Sliti was knocked down by Paízo in the penalty area after a nasty body blunder. The inevitable penalty converted Youssef Msakni to hitherto flattering 1: 0 (34). As a result, the Angolans tried their best to strike the balance as soon as possible, but until then they lacked the necessary accuracy and assertiveness.
But in the second round, the Angolans continued to believe in their chance and tried again and again. And when it looked like they were running out of power, they still made the deserved equalizer. A low shot from Mateus sent Tunisia keeper Farouk Ben Mustapha to the front and Djalma was there to make it 1-1 (74 ') from close range. In the final phase, both teams tried to score the winner, but did not use their possibilities.
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