Late goals from Yann Gboho and Bazoumana Toure propelled Ivory Coast to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Somalia in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on September 29, 2026. The win elevates the Elephants to six points, keeping them level at the summit of Group C alongside Gambia.
Ivory Coast dominated the opening half, but persistent midfield strikes from Franck Kessie in the fifth and 21st minutes narrowly missed the target. The host nation continued pressing aggressively after the interval, with Nicolas Pepe shooting wide in the 50th minute and Malick Yalcouye attempting a long-range effort four minutes later. Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein kept the visitors level in the 58th minute by diving low to save a right-footed strike from Oulai, while Luck Zogbe missed the target for Ivory Coast in the 62nd minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute when substitute Yann Gboho converted a right-footed shot from inside the box following a corner kick to put the home team ahead. Shortly after, Toure added a second goal in the 95th minute to lock in the 2-0 victory before the final whistle, ensuring Ivory Coast maintained their strong start to the qualifying campaign.
Cameroon Held to a Draw by Congo
Elsewhere in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action, Cameroon were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Congo at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat. Congo took a narrow 1-0 lead into halftime after Giltany Bantsiele struck in the 20th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Ikia Dimi to send a right-footed cross-shot past goalkeeper Melvin Noukeu.
Cameroon responded with greater intensity after the break. Their pressure paid off in the 50th minute when Congo goalkeeper Melvin Zinga inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, leveling the score at 1-1. Despite late efforts from both sides, neither could find a winner, leaving Cameroon with four points from two matches to remain at the top of their group standings, while Congo secured their first point of the campaign.
Group C and Qualification Outlook
The latest round of matches has left Group C finely balanced. Ivory Coast sits on six points alongside Gambia, who secured a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Ghana. Meanwhile, Somalia and Ghana remain searching for their first points of the qualifying tournament. Ivory Coast will look to extend their momentum when they face Gambia in a crucial double-header fixture in November.
Key Match Details
- Ivory Coast vs. Somalia: 2-0 (Goals: Yann Gboho 89′, Bazoumana Toure 95′)
- Congo vs. Cameroon: 1-1 (Goals: Giltany Bantsiele 24′ – Melvin Zinga 53′ og)
- Competition: Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 Qualifiers
- Match Date: September 29, 2026
