Kalou gives Ivorians another win

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou scored on the hour mark to give Côte d'Ivoire a 1-0 win over Libya on Monday in a 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations warm-up match. It was the second victory within four days for the title co-favourites in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi after Kalou and Didier Drogba grabbed the goals that sank Tunisia 2-0 last Friday. Libya, fairytale qualifiers after playing while a civil war raged last year, came under increasing pressure at the Al Nayhan Stadium and finally caved 15 minutes into the second half. Defender Igor Lolo delivered a deep cross and Kalou rose between two Libyans to nod the ball wide of 39-year-goalkeeper and captain Samir Aboud for the match winner. Ivorian captain Drogba came closest to breaking the first-half stalemate, turning a defender and cracking a low shot across Aboud that rebounded back into play off the base of the far post. The Ivorians stroked the ball about with minimum fuss and did nothing to suggest they will not be strong contenders when the Cup of Nations kicks off in Equatorial Guinea this weekend. Libya were well organised under the guidance of Brazilian coach Manuel Paqueta and the starting line-up included midfielder Walid El Khatroushi.