By James Robert Kayindi
CSK Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia came off the bench to save a 10-man Ivory Coast as they drew 1-1 with Guinea in the first game of Group D in Equatorial Guinea’s capital Malabo on Tuesday evening. Coming into the tournament as title favorites under the leadership of the Africa Player of the year, Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast will blame it on themselves for not beating the under-dogs of Group D.
The Elephants trailed a goal down by half-time after Mohammed Yattara struck home in the 36th minute of the game. Herve Renard’s side came much stronger in the second half but their hopes of bouncing back were compromised in the 58th minute when Gervinho received matching orders from the referee for a non-sporting act.
Renard proved his tactical abilities when he brought on an inspirational Doumbia for Solomon Kalou as part of the double changes in the 65th minute. Not long on the pitch, the 27-year-old made his mark when he brought the Elephants to level in the 72nd minute to close it one-all on the day.
In the other game of group D, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon came from behind to pick a point in their opener against Mali. Ambroise Oyongo scored a late equalizer to secure a point for the Lions.
After a goalless first half, Sambou Yatabare fired a low volley from Keita’s free kick to put the Eagles forward in the 70th minute of the game but Oyongo had other thoughts, with barely six minutes left of play, he calmly fired a shot past Diakite to make it 1-1.
Two draws from both games left the quarter-final qualification chances wide open for all teams in the group.
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