The final day of first round games came to an end in the African Cup of Nations today as the favourites in Group D found themselves both on the wrong end of 1-1 draws.
The Black Stars had been humbled 2-1 by Senegal, whilst in the other Group C game Algeria beat South Africa 3-1; but for the rest of the continent the tournament continued unabated.
Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon had both been set up as early favourites for qualification from Group D, but minnows Guinea and Mali both had other ideas. In the end, both giants had to fight from a goal down to secure disappointing 1-1 draws.
This tournament has had an unhealthy attachment to 1-1 draws, and Group D’s first game never looked like going that route. Both sides started brightly, the Ivoirians with their incredible array of talents including Manchester City’s Yaya Toure, new teammate Wilfried Bony, and A.S Roma’s Gervinho controlling play.