Ivory Coast edge out Sweden in international friendly

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Monday Jan 09, 2017. 08:30

Ivory Coast edged out Sweden in an international friendly which was played in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

An own goal from Ivory Coast Wilfried Kanon fired Sweden into the lead in the 42nd minute while attempting to clear Nicklas Barkroth's cross.

However, Yao Serge Nguessan managed to restore parity on the stroke of half-time and the score was 1-1 during the interval.

The Elephants took the lead for the first time when substitute Wilfried Zaha set-up Giovanni Sio, who headed home in the 50th minute to make it 2-1.

The reigning AFCON champions, who were using the game as preparation for the 2017 finals, held on to their lead and they walked away victorious.

Ivory Coast are in Group C along with the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C), Togo as well as North African giants Morocco.

Gabon will host the prestigious continental tournament which runs from January 14 to February 5.