Ivory Coast leave it late to beat Somalia in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Ivory Coast secured a 2-0 victory over Somalia with two late goals in Abidjan to make it six points from their opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Elephants had struggled to break down the visitors for almost the entire match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny “Felicia” Stadium on Tuesday, but Yann Gboho scored in the 90th minute before Bazoumana Toure added a second in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Gboho, earning his first cap, had been introduced from the bench and needed only six minutes to put Ivory Coast ahead.

The result leaves the Orange top of Group C on goal difference, level on six points with The Gambia, who have also won both of their matches.

Ivory Coast will next turn their attention to a friendly against Cameroon on 3 October at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan.

Yan Diomande was one of the most influential players on the pitch, repeatedly causing problems from the left flank and occasionally moving into a central position in front of the Somalia penalty area.

The Madrid player touched the ball 93 times, using his pace to beat opponents, helping Ivory Coast control play and creating opportunities for team-mates who lacked accuracy with their finishing.

He set up Nicolas Pepe for the first shot of the match, which went wide, after a well-executed one-two in the second minute. Diomande then delivered a precise cross for Malick Yalcouye, whose effort was blocked in the 17th minute.

He continued to threaten Ibrahim Hussein’s goal. In the 24th minute, Yalcouye was unable to keep his attempt on target after finding space on the right, while Diomande later sent the Brighton player through before he lost control instead of playing Pepe in first time before the interval.

After the break, Diomande was involved in a move that led to Elye Wahi having a goal ruled out for offside. Having drawn his marker towards him, he released Franck Kessie, whose chipped pass was turned into the net by the OGC Nice forward in the 56th minute.

Diomande went close again in the 76th minute when a cross-shot was scrambled away inside the Somalia area. The deflected ball narrowly passed behind Patrick Zabi.

His frustration grew after a heavy challenge, and a number of misplaced passes followed late in the match. However, he played a direct part in the second goal when his shot struck the inside of Hussein’s right-hand post and the rebound eventually found the net.

The move also featured a skilful dribble that drew Mohamud Ali towards him. Diomande’s performance was influential throughout, although he was unable to add a goal of his own.