Max Gradel
AFCON 2021: Max Gradel’s strike seals 1-0 Ivory Coast win over Equatorial Guinea
Max Gradel scored a stunning goal as Ivory Coast grabbed a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in their AFCON 2021 match. The former Bournemouth player put his side ahead inside the first five minutes of the game by firing a thunderous goal. That strike proved to be sufficient to deliver them a narrow victory at the Japoma Stadium. With Algeria and Sierra Leone playing out a goalless draw earlier this week, this win means that the Elephants are currently at the top of Group E. Equatorial Guinea, after conceding an early goal, tried to get back in the game and managed to create several good scoring opportunities. Basilio Ndong’s effort was saved before Sau Coco also squandered a few chances. Juan Micha’s side tried with more intensity to score the equaliser after the ...
Ghana and Ivory Coast play out goalless draw in Cape Coast
Ghana failed to score for the second straight game as their international friendly encounter against Ivory Coast ended in a goalless draw at the Cape Coast stadium on Saturday. The Ivorians were largely dominant in the game and could have won. Akonnor’s side in comparison were poor throughout, struggling to find a way to trouble their opponents. After the disappointing 1-0 loss to Morocco, a response was expected from Ghana in front of their home fans but it ended in disappointment. Ghana’s biggest chance came at the end of the first half where Thomas Partey tried one from distance but saw his shot saved by the opposition goalkeeper. Ivory Coast nearly found the net before that. A brilliant one-two exposed the Black Stars defence but the finishing at the end was lacking. Max Gradel’s goal-...
Victor Osimhen emerges fourth best scorer in Ligue 1
Victor Osimhen has emerged as the fourth highest goalscorer in the French Ligue 1 this season. The 2019/2020 campaign was cancelled last week, following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Osimhen, who joined Lille from Belgian outfit, Sporting Charleroi last summer scored 13 goals and bagged four assists in 27 league appearances for the Great Danes. Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 18 goals, while Monaco’s Ben Yedder came second with same number of goals. Mbappe edged out Ben Yedder because he scored more goals from open play. Three out of Ben Yedder’s 18 goals came from the spot while none of Mbappe’s 18 strikes were penalties. Mbappe also had a better goals-per-game ratio, scoring 18 in 20 – the same number in six games less than his rival Ben Yedder. M...
