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.
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