AFCON 2017: The best of the action from day three in Gabon
Togo faced reigning champion Côte d'Ivoire in Group C's opening fixture, having never beaten the Elephants in AFCON competition.
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After the influential Toure brothers retired from international football, a new generation of stars has been charged with stepping forward for Côte d'Ivoire, including Franck Kessie (pictured), Jonathan Kodjia and competitive debutant Wilfried Zaha.
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Tasked with replacing former talisman Didier Drogba, Kodjia went close on a number of occasions for Côte d'Ivoire, though Togo goalkeeper Kossi Agassa was not to be denied.
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Though the Togolese have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals, they boast an experienced coach in Claude Le Roy. The Frenchman, 68, is the veteran of a record nine AFCON campaigns.
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He clearly inspired his charges, as Togo -- ranked 90th in the world -- battled to an unlikely 0-0 draw.
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Without a club since he was released by Crystal Palace in June 2016, striker Emmanuel Adebayor nonetheless captained Togo on the day.
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The teams might have played to swathes of empty seats at the Stade d'Oyem, but those who did make the journey produced a lively atmosphere, regardless of the goalless result.
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In the evening game, DR Congo faced Morocco -- looking to make it a fifth consecutive match without defeat against the Atlas Lions.
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Morocco, led by French coach Herve Renard, hadn't won an AFCON title since 1976, but still set a minimum target of making the quarterfinals in the buildup to the tournament.
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Despite Morocco enjoying 62% of possession, it was DR Congo's day. Junior Kabananga capitalized on an error from Munir in the Morocco goal, lashing home a left-footed half volley to spark jubilant celebrations.