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Going into Wednesday's final Africa Cup of Nations group stage games, there was a very real chance that the Ivory Coast would be eliminated, leaving both Bony and Yaya Toure free to return to England immediately. That won't be the case, however, as the Oliphaunts wound up topping the group following their 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
The victory was the first match in Group D which did not end 1-1, and has given the Ivory Coast a date with Algeria in the quarterfinal round. The Group D side to face Ghana will be decided on Thursday, as the absolutely identical records of Guinea and Mali mean that the sides will draw lots for the right to advance.
While Bony was unlikely to feature, having not yet even trained with his new club, Yaya Toure will be a big loss on Saturday. Manchester City have an absolutely abysmal record without the Ivorian in the side this season.