Ivory Coast (2) vrs (0) Burkina Faso

Salomon Kalou’s early goal helped Ivory Coast book their spot in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals following a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso, who were consigned to an early exit.

The match, started on a cagey note with both sides making incursions into both half.

Watching the match: In the 7th min: The Burkina Faso pressure nearly payed off as Pitroipa lost balance to connect the last touch following a beautiful team work on the left. Burkina Faso felt they should have had a penalty.

10 min: Ivory Coast begun to struggle to gain control as the Stallions became comfortable with quick and short passes.

16: GOAL! Salomon Kalou blasted from close range as the Ivorians broke into the Burkina defence. Kalou connected with a half volley just outside the six-yard box.

23 min: The Elephants looked very strong going forward but they played more with an individualistic approach as against the Burkinabes who strung some neat passes.

34 min: Although Burkina Faso begun threatening the Ivorian half, they failed to really create many clear cut chances with their game lacking some cohesion.

Both teams reduced their momentum as the half time drew near.

Ivory Coast players jubilating

At the start of the second half, Burkina Faso resumed the same way they finished the first-half with much of the possession but again failing to penetrate into the Ivorian goal area and create a clear chance.

56 min: Zokora received a yellow card for a cynical tackle

65 min: Gervinho missed a clear chance as he floated his shot off target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

66 min: Bad news for the Elephants as goal scorer Solomon Kalou is pulled off for Max Grandel due to a possible hamstring injury

74 min: Ivory Coast made a change as Arthur Boka came on to replace Siaka Tiene on the left side of defence.

77 min: Tiote was booked for fouling slippery Pitroipa

82 min: Ivory Coast made a surprise substitution as midfielder Yaya Toure was pulled out for Wilfried Bony.

83 min: Burkina Faso went 2-nil down after their defender Bakary Kone headed the ball into his own net after Arthur Boka’s looping cross into the box.

86 min: With four minutes to go it was difficult to see how the Burkinabes were going to fight back. The Stallions made another change as star striker Alain Traore was replaced by Narcisse Yameogo.

Yestarday’s loss signals the end of Burkina Faso’s hopes, as they remain rooted to the foot of the standings having also lost 2-1 to Angola.

Source-theghanianjournal.com