Mueez Ajao
– Ivory Coast captain Max Gradel scored a spectacular winner as the Elephants narrowly beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
– Ex-Bournemouth and Leeds forward Gradel lashed the two-time champions ahead from 20 yards with the outside of his right foot just five minutes in.
– Equatorial Guinea had chances to level but Iban Salvador sliced their best one horribly wide from seven yards.
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– Badra Ali Sangare later saved from Emilio Nsue as Ivory Coast held out.
– Patrice Beaumelle’s side go top of Group E after defending champions Algeria drew with Sierra Leone on Tuesday.
