Lots drawn to decide AFCON qualifier
January 28, 2015
Volker Finke's Cameroon have been dumped out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the first hurdle following a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Malabo.
The Indomitable Lions recorded two points from their first two matches in Equatorial Guinea, but fell to Max Gradel's thumping strike in the 34th minute, which leaves them bottom of Group D - the first time they have finished in last-place in their group at the Africa Cup of Nations.
All four teams from Group D were in contention of qualifying for the quarterfinals, but the Ivory Coast would be the only side to walk away with three points on the night.
Saint-Etienne's Gradel was brought into the action on 34 minutes by Siaka Tiene on the left-hand side before the former Leeds United attacker showed a quick burst of speed and then crashed his shot past the Cameroon keeper Fabrice Ondoa.
Finke threw on his other forwards in desperation towards the end with Edgar Salli missing two guilt-edge opportunities. While Cameroon's last defeat under Finke - a former coach at Freiburg - came at the World Cup in Brazil, his team appeared to be uninspired and devoid of attacking momentum with Schalke's Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting out-of-sorts at the tournament.
Amid increasing criticism after performances at the World Cup, Finke's position as Cameroon head coach is now under threat.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football confirmed the lots draw will take place in Malabo tomorrow to see which side will join Ivory Coast from the group.
Kevin Constant scored first in the 14th minute from the spot to hand Guinea the lead before Modibo Maiga leveled after the interval.
But Mali's experienced captain Seydou Keita missed a penalty in the first-half, leaving the two teams unable to be separated after three games.
The team to progress will face the Black Stars, while Ivory Coast take on Algeria in the next round.
rd/mz (AFP, AP)