Ivory Coast through after 4-1 win

Ivory Coast thrashed Benin 4-1 yesterday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup.

The Elephants, who lead Group B with six points from two matches, are the first team to qualify for the knockout stages as they cannot finish outside the top two places after Mali and Nigeria fought out a goalless draw.

Benin, who are eliminated, resisted until the 40th minute when striker Didier Drogba opened the scoring from close range after being set up by a fine Yaya Toure pass.

The Ivorians extended their lead one minute before the interval. Kolo Toure was the creator, retrieving an overhit corner before crossing low across the face of the goal for his brother Yaya to stab in.

Abdelkader Keita made it three on 52 minutes, seizing on a loose ball after poor play from the Benin defence and running through to slot past Rachad Chitou.

Aruna Dindane, who had gone close on numerous occasions, wrapped up the win 11 minutes later by heading home a Drogba cross.

Razak Omotoyossi scored a stoppage-time consolation for Benin whose build-up to the game was overshadowed by coach Reinhard Fabisch's claims that he was asked to help fix the result of his side's opening match which they lost 1-0 to Mali in Sekondi on Monday.

Standings: Ivory Coast 6; Mali 4; Nigeria 1; Benin 0.