Côte d’Ivoire strengthen CAN 2027 start with win

Côte d’Ivoire have made a perfect start to their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign, giving Hervé Renard’s side greater room for confidence after two successive victories. The result keeps the Elephants firmly on course in the early stages of the race for a place at the tournament.

The Ivorians defeated Somalia 2-0 on Tuesday at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. The win followed their 2-0 success against Ghana in Bouaké on 24 September. Côte d’Ivoire now have six points and a goal difference of plus four after the opening two matchdays.

The outcome was not secured until the closing moments. Côte d’Ivoire controlled much of the play but struggled to break down a disciplined Somali defence that stayed compact and resisted repeated attacks. Somalia’s organisation kept the match level for most of regulation time and maintained uncertainty over the result.

Yann Gboho finally put the hosts ahead in the 89th minute. Bazoumana Touré then added a second goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, ensuring that the Elephants’ dominance was reflected in the final score. The victory allows Côte d’Ivoire to continue the qualifying campaign with greater serenity.