Drogba double downs co-hosts

Published: Saturday, 4. February, 2012 in category Africa
Drogba: Netted a brace for Elephants

Didier Drogba missed a first-half penalty but bounced back to score twice before Yaya Toure added a late free-kick.

The Elephants dominated the opening encounters, with former Leeds striker Max Gradel fizzing a shot just past the post before the same player wasted another decent opportunity.

Ivory Coast kept plugging away and were awarded a penalty when former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora was fouled in the area.

But Chelsea striker Drogba saw his spot-kick superbly saved by Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Emanuel-Danilo Clementino as he dived to his right.

Drogba soon had the chance to make amends though, as he cut inside onto his right foot in the box and slotted home after a crucial mistake by Rui (36).

The second half was a largely lacklustre affair but Drogba showed his class when he powerfully headed home a free-kick from Yaya Toure (69).

Toure then wrapped up the win on 81 with a stunning 30-yard free-kick that curled in off the post to leave the keeper with no chance.