Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Benin on Saturday, marking the African champions’ first match following their triumphant third AFCON title win in February.
Junior Olaitan netted two goals for the 98th-ranked Benin, posing a challenge to Ivory Coast’s dominance in Amiens, France.
However, former Leeds and Bournemouth winger Max-Alain Gradel, aged 36, swiftly responded for the Elephants, leveling the score just before the half-hour mark. Gradel, who has represented the team over 100 times, was visibly emotional, shedding tears upon scoring in what was his farewell match.
Oumar Diakite further ensured Ivory Coast’s resilience by equalizing Olaitan’s second goal in the 69th minute. Despite fielding a significantly altered lineup, Ivory Coast managed to avoid defeat in their inaugural match since their AFCON final victory against Nigeria, where they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline in Abidjan.
(AFP)
