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The Desert Warriors of Algeria will be seeking to improve on their low head to head scores with the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations tournament going on in Egypt. Ivory Coast won 4 times on their eleven meetings, chalking 4 draws and conceding 2 victories to Algeria.
One notable observation is that neither team has kept a clean sheet in their last three meetings. Algeria never had a win over Ivory Coast in their last six head to head encounters. On the 24th January, 2010 Ivory Coast lost to Algeria 2-3; on the 30th January, 2013 they played 2-2 draw and on the 1st of February, 2015 which was their last meeting, The Elephants trampled on the Warriors 3-1.
In that February 2015 meeting lanky Wilfred Bony who is in the squad in Egypt, opened scoring 26’ before Arbi El Sondani also available in Egypt equalized in 51’. Bony made a brace scoring 68’ before diminutive Gervinho got a convincing third goal in 90’.
On current form, Algeria looks better. Ivory Coast came thumping South Africa 1-0; lost 0-1 to Morocco and thrashed Namibia 4-1 to come second in group D with 6 points. Then CIV which is their abbreviation piped Eagles of Mali 1-0 in the round of 16 matches.
Algeria topped group C with 9 points winning all their group matches. They beat Kenya 2-0; narrowly won over Senegal 1-0 and trounced Taifa Stars of Tanzania 3-0 before mauling Syli Nationale of Guinea 3-0.
The rivalry shows even in the statistics between both countries. Alg had more ball possessions than CIV 201-179; shots on target was 17-16; and corners 13-4 meaning that Alg had more opportunities than CIV and if such is given at the quarters, then the Elephants will be made ‘asun’ which is roasted meat delicacy common among the Yorubas of South West of Nigeria. Funny enough both share 88 fouls each and 5 yellow cards each.
Algeria is the only team going into the quarterfinals with a clean sheet meaning that they are yet to concede even a goal in the final tournament. You however don’t need a prophet to tell you that due to the normality of meetings between both countries Algeria will be scored against. Algeria is the highest team goal scoring side with 9 goals whereas Ivory Coast scored 6 and conceded 2.
As both countries file out 5pm this Thursday in the 3rd quarterfinals, watch out for the North African tricks from the Algerians. They are wasting time when they are leading through fake injuries, arguments, protests and foul plays.
- ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
