Ivory Coast hold their nerve to down Nigeria

Ivory Coast made it two wins from two at the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations but needed penalties to see off Nigeria after the sides ended extra time at 4-4.

In a thrilling match-up, both sides had the chance to ensure their semi-final spot, with Ivory Coast leading 3-2 going into the final eight minutes until Abu and Tale thought they had secured victory with seconds left.

However, after Aka equalised again from the spot, the game went to penalties where Ivory Coast proved faultless to win the shootout 3-1.

Abu – the tournament’s top scorer in 2013 – broke the deadlock with a fine finish to get the Lagos crowd on their feet, with Nigeria bossing much of the opening stages.

However, goalkeeper Kouadio stunned the hosts when he found the top corner from range before Djedjed rattled the woodwork for the Ivorians.

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