Ivory Coast suffered a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia on Friday, bringing an end to their unbeaten streak and extending Hervé Renard’s dominance over his former team.
The French coach now boasts five victories against the Elephants, a record that underscores his continued influence.
The match in Jeddah began disastrously for Ivory Coast. In the sixth minute, a lapse between Yahia Fofana and Emmanuel Agbadou allowed Mohamed Kanno a clear chance, which he failed to convert.
Two minutes later, Jean-Philippe Gbamin lost possession under pressure from Saleh Abu Al-Shamat just outside the penalty area.
The Al-Ahli winger calmly slotted the ball past Fofana to give Saudi Arabia an early lead.
Ivory Coast responded quickly, with Amad Diallo meeting a cross from Ghislain Konan at the far post in the 12th minute, but his shot sailed over Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s goal.
Despite dominating possession at times, the reigning African champions struggled to break down a disciplined and aggressive Saudi side.
At halftime, coach Emerse Faé made tactical changes, bringing on Odilon Kossounou and Armel Junior Zohouri to reinforce the defense.
The Elephants showed renewed determination, with Diallo narrowly missing a lob over Al-Aqidi.
Later, Vakoun Bayo and newcomer Christ Inao Oulaï entered the attack, yet the Ivorian forwards could not find the back of the net.
Franck Kessié appeared to equalize late in the game following a pass from Oumar Diakité, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Bayo also had a chance in the final minutes but was denied by an alert Al-Aqidi.
Ivory Coast ultimately fell short, marking their first defeat in five matches and failing to overcome their losing streak against Renard, who guided the team to continental glory in 2015.
The Elephants will seek redemption on Tuesday against Oman as they aim to regain confidence ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will defend their title.
