Côte d’Ivoire strengthen Group C lead with Somalia win

Côte d’Ivoire have kept the early advantage in Group C of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after securing a second consecutive victory under Hervé Renard. The result leaves the Elephants at the top of the section, with their next meeting against Gambia set to carry added importance.

The Ivorian side won 2-0 away to Somalia on Tuesday, repeating the scoreline from their victory over Ghana five days earlier. The visitors were unable to find a way through until the final stages, as Somalia stayed compact and limited the number of clear openings during the match.

Yann Gboho finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute, only six minutes after entering the game. Bazoumana Touré then sealed the result by scoring in the fifth minute of added time. Côte d’Ivoire have therefore scored four goals without conceding in their first two qualifying fixtures.

Somalia managed just one effort during the match, and it missed the target. Côte d’Ivoire’s victory preserves their narrow advantage over Gambia, who beat Ghana 4-2. Both teams have six points, but the Elephants hold a plus-four goal difference compared with Gambia’s plus-three. Their Group C meeting on October 1 will bring the two leading sides together.