Cote d’Ivoire began Herve Renard’s return as head coach with two victories in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, although their international window ended with a 1-0 friendly defeat by Cameroon.
The Elephants opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Ghana at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on 24 September 2026. Malick Yalcouye put the hosts ahead before Franck Kessie converted a penalty to secure all three points.
Five days later, Cote d’Ivoire produced another 2-0 victory, this time away to Somalia. The match remained goalless until the closing stages, when Yann Gboho broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. Bazoumana Toure then added a second goal in stoppage time.
Those results leave Cote d’Ivoire with six points from their opening two Group C matches. They have yet to concede a goal in qualifying and sit at the top of the group, ahead of Gambia on goal difference.
The Elephants’ final fixture of the international window was a different story. Cameroon won 1-0 in a friendly at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe on 3 October 2026.
The Indomitable Lions scored shortly after half-time, with Bil Nsongo finding the net. Cote d’Ivoire were unable to respond, but the defeat did not affect their strong start to the qualification campaign.
Cote d’Ivoire’s international results
- 24 September 2026: Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Ghana 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier - 29 September 2026: Somalia 0-2 Cote d’Ivoire 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier - 3 October 2026: Cote d’Ivoire 0-1 Cameroon friendly
Cote d’Ivoire will return to competitive action in November with two matches against Gambia.
The first meeting is scheduled for 11 November 2026, when Gambia will visit Cote d’Ivoire. The return fixture will take place four days later, on 15 November 2026, with Cote d’Ivoire travelling to Gambia.
The two matches will give the Elephants an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Group C and maintain their progress towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.