Africa 2014 World Cup : Lamouchi, the victory “good” but “there were a lot of mistakes”

Ivory Coast went in the game off the back a disappointing 2013 African Cup of Nations campaign after bowing out to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Ivory Coast ran out convincing 3-0 winners over Gambia in a Group C 2014 World Cup qualifying match at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Saturday night.

Goals from Wilfried Bony, Yaya Toure and Salomon Kalou secured all three points for the Elephants on the night, abd they consequently move four points clear of second-placed Tanzania.

“The victory was necessary for us after the disappointment of the AFCON. It was important for us to regain our fans. The players had take to heart the three points, it was done. We maintain our leading position in the group that is good but it is not enough. We will continue to work. The return matches will not be easy especially against Gambia, which plays very well. We will try to play well, because this game in the first half, we did not play well and there were a lot of mistakes, “ the coach said after the win.

The Elephants played to a 2-2 draw against Morocco in their last qualifying match while Gambia lost 2-1 to Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

On form striker Wilfried Bony spearheaded the Ivorian attack in absence of Captain Didier Drogba, who was left out of the squad.

The Elephants are looking to qualify for yet another World Cup while the Scorpions are keen on making their debut at an international tournament.

The first half of the match ended goalless in Abidjan with the Elephants failing to capitalise on their chances in front of goal.

Wilfried Bony opened the scoring for Ivory Coast in the 49th minute of the game. The Vitesse striker converted from the penalty spot after Gervinho was brought down inside the box.

The Elephants doubled their lead 10 minutes later through Yaya Toure. The talismanic Manchester-based midfielder headed into the back of the net from a Cheick Tiote cross.

Solomon Kalou stretched the Ivoirians lead to three in the 70th minute of the match. Gervinho made an excellent run through the entire Gambian back line before assisting the Lillie forward who bagged his third goal of the current qualifying campaign.

The Scorpions valiant first half performance was to no avail in the end as the Elephants handed them their second loss of the campaign.

The impressive victory asserts the Elephants position on top of Group C and boosts their bid to travel to Brazil next year.

The other Group C match between Tanzania and Morocco is set to take place on Sunday.


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