The host nation, Ivory Coast have been evicted from the 34th edition of Africa Cup of Nations after an embarrassing defeat to Equatorial Guinea in Group A final match.
Equatorial Guinea booked themselves a place in the round of 16 after inflicting a painful 4-0 defeat on the Ivorians at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Monday evening.
The Guineans silenced the thousands of Ivorian fans at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium with the opening goal through two-goal hero Emilio Nsue in the 42nd minute of the game.
Coach Jean-Louis Gasset's struggled throughout the remaining minutes of the first half as it ended in a 1-0 lead for Equatorial Guinea.
In the second half, Equatorial Guinea exercised their attacking muscles to register three goals to humiliate the Elephants on their own soil.
Equatorial Guinea extended their lead with two quick goals in the 73rd and 75th minute through Pablo Ganet and Emilio Nsue respectively.
SD Logrones midfielder concluded their demolition exercise in Abidjan with a cool finish in the 88th minute of the game.
Following the victory, Equatorial Guinea have qualified to last 16 with Nigeria after finishing as Group A winners with seven points.
At the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Nigeria recorded a 1-0 win over Guinea (Conakry) in the final group match courtesy an own goal from Opa Sangante.
The Super Eagles have also qualified to the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
