Former Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou did Newcastle United a huge favour this evening as they helped the Ivory Coast beat Senegal 4-2 in the first leg of the African Cup of Nations qualifier and in turn take one step towards knocking Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba out of the competition.
Going into this two-legged match it is something of a no-win situation for Newcastle, as a win for the Ivory Coast would see Cheick Tiote miss part of the season next year, while a victory for Senegal would see Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba off on international duty.
From the neutral’s point of view though, tonight’s match was a belter, with the Ivory Coast coming from behind to win 4-2, and as away goals count in the tie, next month’s second leg in Dakar is looking like being just as good.
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In a match that twisted this way and that, Senegal took the lead before the first of the former Chelsea men got on the score sheet, with forward Salomon Kalou, now with Lille, levelled the match for the Ivory Coast.
In the second half Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse scored his first goal of the season in a competitive match, as the Senegal striker netted with a delightful header, which you can see at the bottom of this blog that lobbed the goalkeeper.
However, the Ivory Coast continued to fight back, as Arsenal forward Gervinho equalised, before former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba scored from the penalty spot. Max Gradel then made it four as Senegal crumbled and only the offside flag and a Drogba handball prevented it from being more.
All-in-all it was a good result for Newcastle as you’d rather be without Tiote than the two Dembas, especially when you consider the Toon’s strength in midfield compared to up top, and Cisse scored this stunning goal…
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