Sierra Leone hold Cote d’Ivoire

Sierra Leone held African champions, Cote d’Ivoire to a goalless draw in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier in Port Harcourt last Sunday.

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.

Now handled by Ghana’s Sellas Tetteh, famed for his exploits with Ghana’s Under-20 team at the World Cup, 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 last Saturday, the Sudanese remain 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.