African champions Egypt settled for a goalless draw with Ivory Coast at Sebastien Charlety stadium in Paris in an African Cup of Nations qualifiers warm-up on Wednesday. The five-time African champions played against Ivory Coast twice during the 2006 Cup of Nations. Egypt defeated the Elephants 3-1 in the first round before beating them again on penalties in the competition s final to claim the title on home soil. In the international friendly, both sides shared possession in the first half but Ivory Coast had the upper hand in terms of threats. However, both teams failed to find their usual rhythm due to the poor state of the water-logged pitch. The Pharaohs display throughout the match was largely affected by the absence of Al Ahly playmaker Mohamed Abou Treika, who was injured during his club s CAF Champions League clash against the Sudanese Hilal. Didier Drogba could have opened the score as early as the fourth minute when he was released clear on goal by Abdelkader Keita s through pass but Essam Al-Hadari rushed out to block the Chelsea striker s effort. Al-Hadari was called into action again in the 29th minute when he brilliantly denied a glancing header from Barcelona newly-signed midfielder Yaya Toure. Moments later, Keita fired a powerful shot from outside the area that was again blocked by the in-form Ahli goalie. Drogba hit the back of the net nine minutes before the interval but his goal was ruled out for offside. Zamalek striker Amr Zaki was introduced instead of Hamburg forward Mohamed Zidan, who has seemingly sustained an injury. Drogba, who struggled to make an impact as he was man-marked by Wael Gomaa, made way for Paris Saint-Germain striker Amara Diane. One minute past the hour mark, Diane controlled a deflected shot inside the area but his close-range shot was saved by Al-Hadari s legs. The two teams then made several substitutions and had tamed efforts afterwards as the match ended goalless. Egypt will later face Burundi away from home on Sept. 9 before hosting Botswana one month later.
