Ivory Coast aim to settle old score with South Korea

Ivory Coast national football team will face South Korea national football team on Saturday in a friendly match carrying added significance, as the West African side looks to settle a 16-year-old score.

The meeting, scheduled for 14:00 GMT on 28 March at Stadium MK, forms part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

While officially a friendly, the fixture brings together two sides aiming to sharpen their form ahead of the global tournament.

Ivory Coast, under the guidance of Emerse Faé, are using the match to strengthen cohesion and reinforce their standing on the international stage.

The Elephants continue to build towards the World Cup, focusing on tactical discipline and collective understanding.

South Korea, meanwhile, approach the contest with similar intent. Facing African opposition known for its pace and physical presence offers a different challenge, one that could help refine their structure and adaptability.

The encounter is expected to test both teams beyond the result, particularly in terms of organisation and resilience.

However, the match also carries a historical edge. The two nations have met only once before, in a friendly played on 3 March 2010. On that occasion, South Korea emerged 2-0 winners, leaving Ivory Coast with a result they have yet to overturn.

Sixteen years on, that defeat remains the backdrop to this latest meeting. For the Ivorians, the game represents an opportunity to respond and restore balance, adding a layer of motivation despite the absence of competitive stakes.

The setting at Stadium MK provides a neutral venue for what is expected to be a closely watched contest.

With both teams intent on fine-tuning their preparations, the match offers a chance to assess progress and identify areas for improvement ahead of the World Cup.

Although labelled a friendly, the combination of preparation and past history suggests a competitive encounter. Whether Ivory Coast can rewrite the narrative of their previous meeting with South Korea will be decided on the pitch.