This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Wilfried Zaha scored on his first start at this year's Africa Cup of Nations as Ivory Coast secured a spot in the last 16 with a 4-1 win over Namibia on Monday, July 1, 2019.
Max Gradel's precise finish and an own goal by Ryan Nyambe gave the 2015 champions a commanding lead in Cairo, with late Zaha and Maxwel Cornet efforts sealing the win after Joslin Kamatuka had given Namibia hope.
The Ivorians advanced as runners-up of Group D behind Morocco, who snatched a last-gasp winner in a 1-0 victory over South Africa that leaves Stuart Baxter's side relying on other results to qualify as one of four best third-place finishers.
Ivory Coast boss Ibrahim Kamara handed Arsenal target Zaha his first start of the competition in place of Nicolas Pepe at 30 June Stadium, with the Elephants having scored just once in their first two matches.
They were fortunate not to fall behind as Peter Shalulile wasted a pair of good chances for Namibia, before Gradel ran on to a wonderful Franck Kessie pass to lift over Lloyd Kazapua and put the Ivorians ahead on 39 minutes.
Unfortunate Nyambe then redirected a speculative Geoffrey Serey Die drive into his own net as Ivory Coast increased their advantage near the hour.
Sloppy defending offered Namibia a lifeline as Kamatuka made it 2-1, but Zaha drilled home a low shot from 15 yards before substitute Cornet smacked home a fourth in the closing stages.
