Football
2017 Africa Nations Cup, Group Stage 2017
CIV 
2
FT
 COD
2
PA Sport 7y

Ivory Coast settle for second draw at African Nations Cup

The Ivory Coast were held to a 2-2 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their second Group C game at the African Nations Cup.

DR Congo led twice, through Neeskens Kebano's brilliant strike and Junior Kabananga's header, in an impressive first-half performance.

Wilfried Bony and Serey Die scored equalisers before the Elephants, dominant in the second period, went close to a winner late on but had to settle for a second successive draw.

DR Congo took the lead in the 10th minute when Kebano superbly fired Kabananga's lay-off low inside the far post.

Bony steered a header just wide and goalkeeper Ley Matampi was fortunate to recover possession after dropping another dangerous cross against the knee of Stoke's on-loan striker.

But the equaliser came when Bony met Max Gradel's right-wing corner with a powerful downward header into the far corner after 25 minutes.

Parity lasted only two minutes, though, as dreadful defending allowed Kabananga to restore DR Congo's lead.

Firmin Mubele was picked out on the right wing and from his cross, keeper Sylvain Gbohouo was hopelessly out of position and Serge Aurier left Kabananga unmarked to head in. Gbohouo had to be very quickly off his line to deny Kabananga a third right on half-time.

Simon Deli and Mubele went close at opposite ends and Mubele failed to pick out Dieumerci Mbokani in DR Congo's next chance -- and he was made to pay as the Ivory Coast broke clear and captain Serey Die's 20-yard strike was deflected past Matampi for the equaliser.

The Ivory Coast launched a stoppage-time flurry of attacks, Salomon Kalou off target when Aurier headed on Franck Kessie's corner.

Aurier's deft flick from another Kessie corner was saved and a narrow, but probably correct, offside call saw Kalou's emphatic volley chalked off as DR Congo clung on.

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