Togo Edge Ivory Coast in Thrilling Encounter to Top Group A
Togo delivered a spirited performance to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in a dramatic final group match on Wednesday at Lomé’s Municipal Stadium, securing top spot in Group A of the 2014 President’s Cup.
With qualification on the line, both sides knew that anything less than victory could spell the end of their campaign. In front of a lively home crowd, it was the Eperviers cadets who rose to the occasion, while the Elephants saw their hopes dashed.
Togo struck early in the first half through Abdoul-Razak Alassani, who lit up the match with a brilliant individual effort. The young striker cut inside his marker with a clever feint before unleashing a fierce shot that beat the Ivorian goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
Ivory Coast, already under pressure after a loss to Benin in their previous outing, responded before the break. Pehedoh Zouzoua leveled the score with a powerful free-kick that left the Togolese keeper with no chance, restoring hope for the Ivorians heading into the second half.
The intensity of the game only grew after the interval. Ivory Coast dominated possession and launched a series of attacks, forcing the hosts to defend deep. The task became even harder for Togo when Mouktar Oukpedjo was sent off midway through the second half after receiving a second yellow card.
Reduced to ten men and under sustained pressure, Togo dug in with remarkable resilience. Head coach Kodjovi Kegbalo’s side showed discipline and determination, absorbing the Ivorian assault and holding firm until the final whistle.
The result sees Togo finish top of Group A with four points from two matches, narrowly ahead of Benin, who ended with three points. Ivory Coast, despite their best efforts, finish bottom with just a single point, exiting the competition.
The thrilling contest in Lomé lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying heart and quality in a match that kept fans on edge from start to finish.
With their place in the semi-finals now secured, Togo will turn their focus to the knockout stage, hoping to build on the momentum of this hard-fought victory.
