AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ivory Coast score two late goals to overcome Somalia

Ivory Coast secured a 2-0 victory over Somalia on Tuesday to maintain their perfect start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Elephants defeated Somalia at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan to move onto six points from their opening two Group C matches.

Ivory Coast strike late

After a goalless opening period, Ivory Coast eventually broke the deadlock in the 89th minute through Yann Gboho.

The hosts then doubled their advantage deep into stoppage time when Bazoumana Toure scored in the 90+5th minute to seal the victory.

The result gives Ivory Coast their second consecutive win in the qualifiers after they also defeated Ghana in their opening Group C fixture.

Somalia remain without a point

Somalia have now suffered two defeats from their opening two matches and remain without a point in Group C.

The Ocean Stars began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Gambia before losing to Ivory Coast in Abidjan.

Ivory Coast now have six points, level with Gambia at the top of the group, while Ghana are bottom after suffering a second successive defeat.

Gambia complete comeback against Ghana

The other Group C match saw Gambia come from two goals down to beat Ghana 4-2 in Accra.

Ghana had taken a 2-0 lead through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan, but Gambia responded with four goals to claim another important victory.

The result leaves Gambia on six points alongside Ivory Coast, while Ghana and Somalia are yet to register a point.