Ivory Coast Held by Guinea as Gervinho Sees Red in Frustrating CAN Opener
By BBC Sport Africa
Malabo – January 2015
Ivory Coast’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaign got off to a shaky start on Tuesday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea — in a match overshadowed by the sending off of star forward Gervinho.
Despite entering the tournament without the burden of being labelled overwhelming favourites, the Elephants failed to impress in their Group D opener. A second-half equaliser salvaged a point, but it could have been more had they not played much of the second period with ten men.
Gervinho, who had been the most dynamic Ivorian on the pitch, was shown a straight red card early in the second half after slapping a Guinean player in an off-the-ball incident. The Roma forward’s dismissal came at a crucial moment, leaving his side to chase the game shorthanded.
Guinea had taken a surprise lead through Mohamed Yattara in the 36th minute, capitalising on a sluggish Ivorian defence. It took until the 72nd minute for Ivory Coast to level the score, with substitute Seydou Doumbia finishing off a neat move to secure the draw.
But Gervinho’s loss may have longer-term implications for the Elephants’ tournament hopes. The 27-year-old is likely to face a two-match suspension, potentially ruling him out of the remainder of the group stage.
Former Cameroon international and current football pundit Patrick Mboma was highly critical of Gervinho’s behaviour.
“I call it a red card from the guy with the cigar,” Mboma told RMC radio, referencing the player’s sense of entitlement. “It was a ‘how dare you touch me?’ moment. He’s not used to that. He completely lost control.”
Ivory Coast manager Hervé Renard, who guided Zambia to the title in 2012, refused to make excuses but hinted at the mental pressure still surrounding the squad.
“We’re no longer favourites, but the expectations remain,” said Renard. “It’s disappointing, of course. But there are still two matches to play.”
The draw leaves Group D wide open, with all teams still in contention for a quarter-final place. Ivory Coast will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match against Mali.
For Guinea, the result was a morale boost — a performance full of energy and commitment against a star-studded Ivorian side. Coach Michel Dussuyer praised his team’s discipline and defensive organisation, even if they could not hold on for the win.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will now have to find a way forward without one of their most important attacking weapons — and under increased scrutiny as they continue their hunt for a first continental title since 1992.
