Cote d’Ivoire edge past Gambia as Wahi scores first international goal

Cote d’Ivoire beat Gambia 2-1 at the Stade de la Paix de Bouake on Thursday to maintain their perfect start to the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring in the 17th minute after controlling Nicolas Pepe’s cleverly taken free-kick with his chest before finishing past Baboucarr Gaye. Elye Wahi doubled the advantage seven minutes later, converting from the penalty spot after Yan Diomande’s assist.

Wahi’s goal was his first for Cote d’Ivoire in his ninth appearance. Gambia reduced the deficit in the 38th minute when Musa Barrow’s shot took an involuntary deflection off Ousmane Diomande and went into the Ivorian goal.

Cote d’Ivoire remain top of Group C with three wins from three matches. Herve Renard’s side will take a significant step towards qualification if they win in Bakau on Tuesday.

Yahia Fofana (5) was again preferred to Alban Lafont and dealt confidently with Gambia’s limited first-half threat. His handling in the air was reassuring, while a well-judged run from his goal stopped the danger after Luck Zogbe’s poor back-pass in the 21st minute. He had no chance with the deflected effort.

Zogbe (5) recovered from that error with a solid defensive display and threatened going forward, forcing Gaye to turn a dangerous shot behind in the 29th minute. He found the second half more difficult.

Ousmane Diomande (5), selected ahead of Emmanuel Agbadou alongside Evan Ndicka, was unfortunate to deflect Barrow’s effort into his own net. He did, however, block Muhammed Badamosi after a dangerous attack in the 50th minute. Ndicka (5) was the defensive leader and helped keep Gambia quiet before the interval, although he was less influential after the break.

Hassane Kamara (6) made his first appearance for the national team in more than a year and responded well to his recall, particularly in the 56th minute when he combined defensive work with a skilful piece of play. He was replaced by Franck Kessie in the 70th minute.

Amad Diallo (7, player of the match) made an impressive debut under Renard. The Manchester United winger was constantly available, headed narrowly wide or over from the penalty area in the 22nd minute, nearly won a penalty eight minutes later and saw a shot saved in the 79th. He missed a major chance to restore a two-goal lead in the 55th minute and was replaced by Martial Godo in the 81st.

Ibrahim Sangare (5) was stronger before half-time but struggled during the final 30 minutes and was involved in a dangerous move for Yankuba Minteh in the 85th minute.

Yalcouye (6) repaid Renard’s faith despite limited playing time at Brighton, but faded with fatigue and was replaced by Emmanuel Agbadou in added time. Pepe (6) created several openings early on, including both goals, but faded after the interval before being replaced by Kassoum Ouattara.

Wahi (6) was denied by Gaye in the 10th minute but finished calmly from Diomande’s pass before making way for Oumar Diakite in the 70th minute. Diakite (5) was applauded on, had a shot cleared off the line in the 75th and later played a dangerous pass across his own defence.

Diomande (7) was a constant threat, intercepting the pass that led to Wahi’s goal. Gaye denied him a late goal in the 88th minute.