Abidjan, Ivory Coast: In a stunning display of skill and determination, the Ivorian national team triumphed over Kenya with a resounding 3-0 victory at home, officially securing their place in the upcoming World Cup.
The match, held at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, showcased the Elephants’ dominance throughout the African qualifiers, marking a triumphant return to the World Cup stage after missing the last two editions.
The match kicked off with an energetic performance from the hosts, who quickly established control over the game. Franck Kessié opened the scoring in the 8th minute, deftly finishing a well-executed one-two exchange with Amad Diallo. The early goal set the tone for the encounter, as Côte d’Ivoire continued to capitalize on their attacking momentum.
Following the interval, the Elephants doubled their lead just after the restart. Yan Diomandé, a rising star in the Ivorian squad, displayed his flair with a dazzling solo effort that saw him weave through defenders and unleash an unstoppable shot, putting Côte d’Ivoire ahead 2-0 by the 54th minute. The home fans erupted, celebrating Diomandé’s exceptional skill, which has made him a fan favorite in the national side.
As the rain poured down in Abidjan, Amad Diallo took center stage once more, sealing the win with a magnificent free-kick in the 84th minute. Curling the ball from just outside the box, Diallo found the back of the net via the goalpost, underscoring his pivotal role in the match with a goal and an assist. The atmosphere in the stadium reached a fever pitch as the crowd celebrated the brilliance of their young star.
Despite a valiant effort from the Kenyan side, their seven total shots—including only one on target—highlighted their struggles throughout the match. The Ivorians showcased a well-orchestrated attack, generating multiple clear chances and dominating possession, finishing the match with a staggering 63% ball control compared to Kenya’s 37%.
The victory marked Côte d’Ivoire’s fourth World Cup qualification in the last five tournaments, a feat that Coach Emerse Faé is proud of, especially following their success in the previous year’s AFCON. As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, fans reveled in their team’s achievement, knowing they would be returning to the global stage.
As the Elephants begin preparations for the World Cup, aspirations and expectations run high. The squad’s exceptional talent and teamwork displayed in this qualifier suggest they could be serious contenders on the world’s biggest football stage. For now, however, Côte d’Ivoire will bask in the glory of their hard-fought victory and the promise of a bright future ahead.
