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ACON: Tiote On Target - But Ivorians Out
Written by Newcastle Utd
Cheick Tiote scored his first international goal on Sunday - but his side went out of the Africa Cup of Nations
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Despite scoring his first international goal, Cheick Tiote suffered more Africa Cup of Nations heartache on Sunday as Ivory Coast were knocked out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage.
Last year, the Elephants lost in the final on penalties to Zambia but were once again favourites to win the tournament this time around.
However, those dreams ended in Rustenburg against Nigeria. Emmanuel Emenike gave the Super Eagles a 43rd minute lead but Tiote headed home Didier Drogba's free-kick four minutes into the second half to draw his side level. It was a debut goal in his 35th appearance for his country.
With 12 minutes remaining, though, Sunday Mba scored to knock Tiote and co out of the competition.
The Newcastle midfielder played the whole game and will now be available for next weekend's Barclays Premier League trip to Tottenham.