Ivory Coast media react to Amad Diallo in AFCON group stage vs Cameroon

Last night saw both Ivory Coast and Cameroon make their way past the half-way point of the Africa Cup of Nations group stages, as they faced each other in a 1-1 draw.

The match marked a face-off between Manchester United stars Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo as both men fight for a spot in the knock-out round.

Their opening games of the tournament saw Ivory Coast pick up a 1-0 win over Mozambique thanks to a winning goal and man of the match performance from Amad Diallo.

Cameroon menwhile grabbed a 1-0 win over Gabon, setting them up as tied on points and goal difference heading into the second game.

Unfortunately neither team manager to take an advantage for the final game, as a 1-1 draw has seen them both on four points with differences of +1.

The opening 45 minutes had everything apart from a goal.

Ivory Coast came flying out of the blocks and even clipped the crossbar inside the first few minutes, forcing Cameroon onto the back foot early on.

But the Indomitable Lions gradually settled and carried a real threat on the break, going close themselves as the half opened up into a proper end-to-end scrap.

It stayed 0-0 at the interval, but it never felt like it would stay that way for long, and so, it was just after half-time, like in the Mozambique game, when Amad Diallo scored to take his side ahead.

Whilst that goal was enough to seal a win in their opening game, this time round, an own goal from Ghislain Konan removed Ivory Coast’s advantage.

Now, media from the Ivory Coast and Cameroon has reacted to Amad Diallo’s second Man of the Match performance in a row.

Ivory Coast outlet Fraternité Matin commented on Diallo’s goal, reporting: “After the break, the game turned. In the 51st minute, Amad Diallo ignited the spark.”

It continued: “Set up by a sumptuous cross from Ghislain Konan, the Manchester United player cut inside past Nouhou and unleashed a clinical shot that left Epassy with no chance.

“Ivory Coast erupted in jubilation; the Elephants took the lead (1-0).

Africa Top Sports, covering the AFCON tournament, also reported the game, commenting on Diallo’s goal, saying: “The defending champions struck in the 51st minute through a moment of pure quality from Amad Diallo.”

It continued: “The winger latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Ghislain Konan, beat his marker to the ball and curled a sensational finish beyond the reach of Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy to send the Ivorian fans into celebration.

With Ivory Coast about to take on bottom of the group, Gabon, they’ll be hoping that Amad Diallo can make it three for three and send them through to the knock-out stages at the top of the group.