Ivory
Cameron Johnston Jersey Coast began their 2012 African Cup of Nations campaign with a victory as they beat Sudan 1-0 on Sunday.Captain Didier Drogba scored his 51st international goal after 39 minutes as Les Elephants failed to take their chances, against a resolute Sudan side determined to frustrate their Group B rivals.Ivory Coast national football team.(
Seth Joyner Jersey Copyright Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images)Both Yaya Toure and Gervinho directed headers goalwards but were off-target, and the Arsenal forward should have put his side ahead shortly afterwards following good work from Drogba.As the half time interval drew nearer, the Nile Crocodiles looked likely to succe sfully hold off their opponents for the first
Alshon Jeffery Jersey 45 minutes of the game. Six minutes before referee Rajin Seechurn could blow his whistle, however, the Ivory Coast took the lead; Salomon Kalou cro sing from the left for his Chelsea team mate to head home. Sudan responded well, altering their playing style and going on the offensive to look for an equaliser. Mohamed Bashir fired wide after managing to control Hamid Nazars mishit shot, and Ivory
Wendell Smallwood Jersey Coast keeper Boubacar Barry did well to tip Eltaib Mudathers fierce strike onto the cro sbar.Gervinho runs with the ball (Copyright REUTERS/Luc Gnago)Nazar and Alaadine Yousef both had further chances for Sudan, while Gervinho tested
Nick Foles Jersey Elmuez Maghoub with an effort from close range. Mudather was looking threatening, but fired one shot wide and landed roughly after another, an attempted overhead kick from 30 yards out.Drogba and substitute Max Gradel both wasted late opportunities to increase themarginfor the Ivorians, but they held on to secure three points.