FC OSA and ISCA took crucial steps toward securing their Ivorian Ligue 1 status on Thursday, each claiming 2-1 victories in the opening fixtures of matchday 27.
At the Robert Champroux Stadium, FC OSA overcame Racing Club d’Abidjan in a tightly contested match that saw the newly promoted side display both grit and discipline.
The team, locked in a battle to avoid the drop, showed attacking intent early on, with Hamed Diomandé twice striking the woodwork within the first ten minutes.
Despite Diomandé’s misfortune, FC OSA found the breakthrough in the 14th minute through Elvis Zohoulé, who curled a fine effort past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Zohoulé was again at the heart of the action after the break, doubling his tally in the 57th minute with a dazzling solo effort that left the Racing Club defence scrambling.
Although Keita Namory pulled one back for Racing in the 74th minute, the visitors struggled to mount a meaningful comeback.
The result lifts FC OSA to 14th place on 29 points, creating a six-point cushion above the relegation zone—a significant buffer at this stage of the season.
Later in the day, ISCA mirrored that success with a morale-boosting win of their own, defeating Mouna FC 2-1 in a match that marked the end of a five-game winless run.
Coach Maxime Gouaméné’s side adopted a compact and patient approach, allowing Mouna possession while looking to strike on the counter.
Their strategy paid off in the 26th minute when Laurent Gbagbo opened the scoring.
Though Mouna responded with an equaliser in the 66th minute—Isaac Ako netting his 10th goal of the campaign—ISCA regained the lead just four minutes later.
Pacôme Loua converted a well-earned penalty to restore the advantage and secure the three points.
The victory sees ISCA climb to 11th in the standings with 33 points, nine clear of the drop zone.
With three matches remaining in the season, both ISCA and FC OSA have given themselves breathing space and a fighting chance to retain their top-flight status.
The latest results offer renewed hope for both clubs and intensify the relegation battle at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table, where every point is now more critical than ever.
