Cameroon 0-1 Cote d'Ivoire: Gradel earns Elephants quarter-final place

A stunning Max Gradel strike fired Ivory Coast into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as Cameroon were beaten 1-0 in Malabo.

The attacker's second goal of the tournament earned the Elephants top spot in Group D, setting up a last-eight clash with Algeria.


A cautious first half was brought to life after 36 minutes as the 27-year-old Saint-Etienne attacker thundered a long-range effort beyond the dive of Joseph Ondoa.

Cameroon's attempts to get back into the game and avoid an early exit came to nothing, and Wilfried Bony should have extended Ivory Coast's lead with a volley just after the hour.

Substitute Clinton N'Jie tried to replicate Gradel's effort to level the match, but his shot was deflected wide by the resolute Ivorian defence.

Victory sees Herve Renard's side qualify for the knockout stages, while Mali and Guinea will have to draw lots to see who joins them after their 1-1 draw in Mongomo.

Cameroon 0-1 Cote d'Ivoire: Gradel earns Elephants quarter-final place Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Unknown