CAN 2023: Côte d'Ivoire remains silent against Lesotho in the qualifiers

Ivorian right-back Serge Aurier, in Douala, Cameroon during the CAN, January 26, 2022. AP - Themba Hadebe

Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow

2 mins

The Ivorian Elephants were not successful, Thursday, June 9, against Lesotho during the second day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers (group H).

Despite constant domination, they did not find the net (0-0).

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Côte d'Ivoire takes control of Group H alone. So much for the optimistic view of the situation in these qualifications for the

2023 African Cup of Nations

.

The Ivorians and their supporters may however have some regrets, this June 9, after the draw obtained against Lesotho at the end of the second day of the group stage.

At the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Lesotho team welcomed Jean-Louis Gasset's men in front of almost empty stands.

This relocated match and in front of a very weak attendance did not prevent Côte d'Ivoire from quickly settling into the match.

With captain Serge Aurier in the right-back position, Jean Michael Seri in the midfield and an attacking quartet made up of Max-Alain Gradel, Jean Evrard Kouassi, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Kouamé, the visitors had serious arguments to put forward.

However, they never managed to force the lock in the defense of Likuena (Crocodiles).

It's not for lack of trying!

The Elephants monopolized the ball, with 86% possession of the ball throughout the game.

And on 16 occasions, they tried to shake the nets.

But they showed too much waste in terms of address to hope to win, especially since the Lesothian rear guard was admirable, especially goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, author of seven saves.

The last bulwark of Lesotho was still vigilant in the last minutes to get out effectively at the feet of Aurier.

In the standings, this draw allows Côte d'Ivoire to be alone at the top of Group H (4 points) ahead of Zambia (3 points), Comoros (3 points) and Lesotho (1 point).

Next meetings: Côte d'Ivoire-Comoros and Zambia-Lesotho in September.

AFCON 2023: CALENDAR AND RESULTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

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