Cote d’Ivoire left it late to beat Somalia 2-0 in Abidjan on Tuesday, with Yan Diomande playing a central role as the Elephants maintained their perfect start to the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.
The hosts dominated possession and territory at the Felix Houphouet Boigny “Felicia” but were frustrated by Somalia’s defence for almost the entire 90 minutes. Somalia, ranked 199th in the world, held firm until Yann Gboho scored in the 90th minute, six minutes after coming off the bench to make his first appearance for Cote d’Ivoire.
Bazoumana Toure then added a second in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-0 victory.
Cote d’Ivoire now have six points from two matches and lead Group C on goal difference, ahead of Gambia, who have also won both of their games. Their next fixture is an international friendly against Cameroon on 3 October at the Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe stadium in Abidjan.
Diomande was one of the most influential players on the pitch. Operating mainly on the left but also moving into central areas in front of the Somali penalty area, the Real Madrid player repeatedly created problems for the visitors.
He touched the ball 93 times, using his acceleration to beat opponents, helping Cote d’Ivoire move the ball forward and supplying team-mates who were unable to make the most of several openings.
Diomande created the first opportunity of the match in the second minute, combining with Nicolas Pepe before setting him up for a shot that went wide. Fifteen minutes later, he delivered an inviting cross for Malick Yalcouye, whose effort was blocked.
He continued to threaten Ibrahim Hussein’s goal. In the 24th minute, Yalcouye was unable to keep his effort on target after finding space on the right. Diomande then released the Brighton player shortly before half-time, but Yalcouye lost control instead of playing Pepe in at the first opportunity.
The former Leipzig player was also involved in a disallowed goal early in the second half. After drawing his marker towards him, he found Franck Kessie, whose chipped pass was turned in by OGC Nice forward Elye Wahi in the 56th minute. The goal was ruled out for offside.
Diomande went close again in the 76th minute when a cross-shot caused confusion inside the Somalia penalty area. The deflection narrowly carried the ball behind Patrick Zabi.
He became frustrated after a heavy challenge and gave the ball away a few times late on. However, he was directly involved in the second goal: his shot struck Hussein’s right-hand post and the rebound fell for Bazoumana Toure to finish. Before shooting, Diomande had beaten Mohamud Ali with a dribble.
It was an accomplished display from Diomande, who came close to adding a goal of his own.