Ivory Coast U16 upset France 2-1 at Montaigu tournament

Ivory Coast’s U16 team secured a stunning 2-1 victory over France in their second match at the Montaigu Tournament on Thursday, April 2, 2026, boosting their hopes of topping Group A.

The young Elephants bounced back from a 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening game to claim a vital win over the host nation.

Mohamed Haïdara opened the scoring for Ivory Coast, with the second goal coming courtesy of an own goal by the French side.

This result places Ivory Coast level on points with Brazil at the top of the group, each holding four points following Brazil’s win against China on the same day.

The victory is a significant statement for the Ivorian team, showcasing their ability to compete against strong European opposition at an early stage.

Ivory Coast now face China in their final Group A match, with the aim of securing first place and progressing to the next stage of the tournament.

The young team’s disciplined defending and effective counter-attacks were key to overcoming France, who had hoped to assert their home advantage.

The win reflects the growing strength of Ivory Coast’s youth development programs and their potential to produce future stars for both club and country.

Coach and supporters alike praised the team’s resilience and composure, particularly in responding to pressure from the French side during the second half.

As the tournament continues, the Elephants’ focus will be on maintaining momentum and achieving top spot in the group.

A strong finish against China would guarantee a place in the knockout rounds, keeping their aspirations for the Montaigu Trophy alive.