Clinical Ivory Coast trample hapless Kenya to seal World Cup qualification

Ivory Coast's players celebrate after winning at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Ivory Coast and Democratic Repuplic of Congo at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 7, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP

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Reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Ivory Coast sealed their
place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup extravaganza in the US, Mexico, and Canada
with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kenya in their last Group F match on Tuesday
at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
The win ensured Ivory Coast’s return to the World Cup after their absence from
the previous two editions in Russia and Qatar.
The game kicked off with immediate intensity as
Ivory Coast took the lead just seven minutes in. Manchester United winger Amad
Diallo made a run down the left flank and delivered a low pass into the box for
Franck Kessié, who calmly slotted the ball past Kenyan goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.
The early goal set the tone for the match, with Ivory Coast dominating
possession and dictating the pace. Despite this, Kenya’s defense worked hard to
contain the Ivorians, but they were constantly under pressure.
As the match progressed, Ivory Coast’s
offensive threat became increasingly evident as the elephants doubled their
advantage in the 53rd minute through a brilliant individual effort from Yan
Diomande.
The Ivorian winger sprinted down the left wing, evaded several Kenyan
defenders, and finished with a well-placed shot that left Omondi with no
chance. The goal was a testament to Diomande's speed and skill, effectively
putting the match beyond Kenya’s reach.
Kenya, struggling to mount any serious
attacks, found themselves overwhelmed by Ivory Coast's relentless offensive
pressure. Despite a few substitutions in the second half, including Duke Abuya
replacing Michael Olunga in the 67th minute, Kenya failed to break down the
Ivorian defense.
The visiting team only managed a single shot throughout the entire match,
which went wide.
In the 84th minute, Amad Diallo capped off a
stellar performance by scoring Ivory Coast’s third goal. After a foul on the
edge of the box, Diallo took the free-kick himself, curling the ball around the
Kenyan wall and into the top corner of the net.
The goal was a stunning display of precision and technique, and it was
greeted with loud cheers from the home crowd.
As the match entered its final moments, the
Ivorians made two more substitutions, with Armel Junior Zohouri and Oumar
Diakité replacing Guéla Doué and Diallo, who had already contributed a goal and
an assist. The game concluded with Ivory Coast securing a well-deserved 3-0
victory.
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