Ivory Coast 1 - 1 Paraguay

May 23, 2008

The Ivory Coast have begun life post-Uli Stielike, with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in the Kirin Cup held in Japan.

Côte d’Ivoire were without several regulars for the much including Chelsea forwards Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who were playing in the Champions League final against Manchester United.

The match was seen as a warm up for the Elephants up and coming world cup qualifiers but also a chance for new coach Vahid Halilhodvic to check out his new side and to make changes where appropiate. Many Ivorians alike will be seeing how our new coach will control the team.

In the match, the Ivory Coast had better control, but is was Paraguay who created the better chances, with midfielder Carlos Paredes hitting the bar in the 40th minute. Midfielder Sergio Aquino also almost found the net in the 67th minute only to see a miraculous clearence by defender Marc Andre Zoro. It will be sure to impress the new coach

Côte d’Ivoire also missed a chance when Marseille midfielder Kanga Akale’s header on an Eboue free kick went wide in the 82nd minute.

But this isnt the end of friendly action for the Elephants with there next match being only 2 days away against hosts Japan in the Kirin Cup

Segun Olujide

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