In-Depth: How Cote d'Ivoire coasted past blunt Bafana

The Ivorians barely got out of first gear in beating Bafana Bafana. Goal analyses the tactical battle that unfolded.

A star-studded Ivory Coast came into their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group D opener against South Africa as firm favourites to take all three points. And so it proved as The Elephants cruised to a one-sided one-nil victory over Bafana Bafana.

STARTING LINE-UPS

South Africa made two surprise selections in their starting lineup. In goal, Darren Keet was left on the bench with Ronwen Williams getting the nod instead. The former had performed well in the final qualifying match and plays alongside three of the back four at club level. Even so, this was an unexpected move by…