Ivorians hopeful despite pressure

Ivory Coast coach Vahid Halilhodzic says the Elephants find themselves in a difficult position of progressing in the African Nations Cup.

A goalless draw in the opening match with Burkina Faso has left the Ivorians faced the prospect of early exit as they prepare for their final group match against Ghana in Cabinda on Friday.

With Togo having pulled out of the competition in the wake of the attack on its team bus that left three people dead, each team in Group B now plays just two games.

Two of the three countries will qualify for the quarterfinals but Ivory Coast, which needs a win to be guaranteed of a spot in the next round.

Halilhodzic is hopes his side, rated pre-tournament favourites cannot afford another slip-up.

“We are now in a very difficult position but still have all the cards in our hands and I know we can go through to the knockout phase,” Ivory Coast coach Vahid Halilhodzic said.

“Togo being out causes us problems. It will be a difficult match against Ghana but we have our fate in our hands.”