IVORY COAST 'NEVER PANICKED'

They rebound to beat Gabon, whose coach is sacked and players suspended

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Evann Guessand celebrates scoring Ivory Coast's equaliser with Guela Doue (left) and Amad Diallo in their 3-2 Africa Cup of Nations win over Gabon in Marrakech, Morocco on Dec 31. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

Ivory Coast showed “resilience” and the “ability to react” as the reigning champions came from two goals down to pip Cameroon to top spot in their group, after Algeria maintained their perfect record as the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) concluded on Dec 31.

The Ivorians and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon came into their last Group F matches with identical records, leaving open the possibility that a drawing of lots would be required to determine their final positions.

But in the end, the Ivorians topped Group F on goals scored after coming from two goals down to beat the already eliminated Gabon 3-2, while Cameroon defeated Mozambique 2-1.

Said Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae: “I have confidence in the whole team, that's why I changed 10 players... I only take positives from all the performances...

“Even after conceding the equaliser, we never panicked. This victory is important to validate the work done... We still have some adjustments to make, especially in defence, but the team has shown its resilience and its ability to react.”