By Nana Kwame Bediako
Host nation Ivory Coast was embarrassed in their own backyard by the National Thunders of Equatorial Guinea as they were beaten 4:0 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Monday, January 22, 2024.
Côte d’Ivoire were the better side in the early minutes of the game as they dominated the box of Equatorial Guinea with more disturbing big chances, frustrating the goalkeeper of Equatorial Guinea. Notable big chances for the Ivorians were when Nicolas Pepe wasted a big chance in front of goal.
Equatorial Guinea gradually got into the game in a big way, as their patience eventually accounted when Emilio Nsue scored in the 42nd minute to break the deadlock. The goal from Emilio Nsue got Equatorial Guinea to finish on top in the first half.
The second half saw Côte d’Ivoire play with some purpose to cancel out the lead of Equatorial Guinea in the first half, but the National Thunders stood their ground, preventing any upset from the Elephants. Côte d’Ivoire, with their effort in front of goal, had two goals disallowed by VAR.
Equatorial Guinea were brutal in front of goal as they added two quick goals in the 73rd minute and 75th minute to put the Ivorians out of reach, as captain Emilio Nsue and Pablo Ganet made sure of that.
The National Thunders weren’t calling it a day as they added a fourth goal in the 88th minute when substitute Jannick Buyla scored a superb goal for his side.
