Source: Xinhua
02-04-2008 18:12
Special Report: 2008 African CupCote d'Ivoire proved its potential of being an African soccer king on Sunday by reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Nations Cup (ANC) with a 5-0 smash over Guinea.
The result was the largest margin in all the matches of the 26th Africa Nations Cup so far.
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| Cote d'Ivoire proved its potential of being an African soccer king on Sunday by reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Nations Cup (ANC) with a 5-0 smash over Guinea. (Photo: sina.com) |
The defense of Guinea collapsed in the 25th minute as striker of The Elephants Kader Keita rushed from the right wing. Out of expectation, Keita did not cross to his teammate before the net but launched a low attack from his position. The ball flew into the far corner of the net.
After the break, Guinea seemed to have the chance to get an equalizer as its skipper Aruna Kone gave a threatening shot. Chelsea striker Didier Drogba denied the thought two minutes later by offering a goal casually. His teammate Salomon Kalou, also from Chelsea, extended the lead to three soon. After Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure gave the fourth goal to show the strength difference between the two teams, substitute Baki Kone netted into the top corner to seal the match.
Cote d'Ivoire will face the challenge of the winner of the quarter-final between Egypt and Angola on Thursday in Kumasi, central Ghana. Before the match between Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea, Ghana defeated Nigeria 2-1 to claim the first position in the semi-quarters.
Cote d'Ivoire was the runner-up in the 25th Africa Nations Cup in 2006 in Egypt. It lost the title to the host Egypt in a final penalty kick.
