Togo’s U20 side bowed out of the UFOA B U20 Cup after falling 2-0 to a dominant Ivory Coast in their final group stage match on Thursday, ending their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals.
Knowing that only a win—and favourable results elsewhere—would secure a place in the next round, the Hawks faced a daunting task against a well-drilled Ivorian team that entered the match already in control of the group.
Ivory Coast took early command of proceedings and needed just a few minutes to break the deadlock.
Striker Zakaria Tindano capitalised on a lapse in Togo’s defence, calmly slotting home to give the Elephants an early lead and a psychological edge.
Despite the early setback, Togo responded with determination.
Ametokodo King’s side maintained pressure throughout the first half, pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
But the Elephants stood firm and punished their opponents once again, doubling their advantage shortly before the interval with a clinical second goal that left the Togolese side facing an uphill battle.
After the break, Togo came out with greater urgency and aggression, determined to find a way back into the contest.
They dominated possession and showed greater attacking intent, but their efforts failed to produce the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Ivory Coast, already assured of qualification, managed the game with composure—sitting back, soaking up pressure, and threatening on the counterattack when the opportunity arose.
Ultimately, the Elephants’ tactical discipline and ruthless efficiency in front of goal proved too much for a Togo side that lacked the finishing touch when it mattered most.
With this result, Ivory Coast conclude the group stage undefeated, having collected a perfect nine points.
Their clinical performances and consistent form firmly establish them as one of the tournament’s favourites heading into the knockout rounds.
Togo, meanwhile, exit the competition with three points from a solitary win over Burkina Faso.
Their campaign ends in disappointment, as moments of promise were undone by defensive errors and missed chances in key fixtures.
The Hawks will now regroup and reflect on what could have been—a campaign marked by effort and spirit, but ultimately insufficient to carry them into the final four.
