Sierra Leone hold uninspired Côte d’Ivoire

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Sep 06, 2015. 19:58

Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw in Port Harcourt on Sunday, in their Group I of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Leone Stars hosted the Ivoirians in Nigeria, as the Ebola-affected country is yet to be allowed to welcome its opponents in Freetown.

In the absence of several of their key players, including skipper Yaya Touré, defensive midfielder Cheick Tioté, winger Max Gradel and star striker Wilfried Bony, the defending champions struggled to cause problems to their hosts despite enjoying most of the possession.

Sierra Leone had chances of their own during the encounter, but failed to capitalise on their few opportunities.

The result sees the two sides tied on one point after two games, two points adrift of group leaders Sudan.

Thrashed 4-0 by Gabon in Libreville on Saturday, the Sudanese remain however at the top of Group I as the defeat is not counted for the standings, with the Panthers already qualified for the final tournament as hosts.