Pepe Double Sends Côte d’Ivoire Into Historic World Cup Knockout Stage

FT: Curaçao 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire

Nicolas Pépé scored twice as Côte d’Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0 on Thursday to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.

The victory secured second place in Group E behind Ecuador and marked a historic breakthrough for Les Éléphants, who had failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of their previous World Cup appearances.

Emerse Faé’s side settled quickly and took the lead after just seven minutes. Teenage sensation Yan Diomande dispossessed the Curaçao defence deep inside their own half before squaring the ball for Pépé, who calmly tapped into an empty net.

The early goal gave the Ivorians confidence, but Curaçao refused to surrender. The World Cup debutants created several promising opportunities, with Juninho Bacuna coming closest before half-time when he burst into the penalty area only to fire narrowly wide.

Despite Curaçao’s determination, Côte d’Ivoire remained the more clinical side. Pépé sealed the victory in the 64th minute with a composed left-footed finish into the top corner after another well-worked attacking move.

The brace made the former Arsenal winger only the second Ivorian player to score twice in a World Cup match after Aruna Dindane achieved the feat against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.

Curaçao, the smallest nation by population ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup, exited the tournament with one point from three matches. Although they failed to qualify, the Caribbean side earned widespread admiration for their spirited performances, including a historic draw against Ecuador.

Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Faé hailed the achievement but urged his players to remain focused.

“I am very happy with this result,” Faé said. “Not everything was perfect, but keeping a clean sheet is good for our confidence. This group is growing together, and now we must enjoy this historic qualification before preparing for the next challenge.”

The victory also erased years of World Cup disappointment for the Ivorians. Their celebrated golden generation, led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, never managed to reach the knockout rounds despite coming close on several occasions.

Having already ended a long wait for continental glory by winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire have now added another landmark achievement by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

They will face the runners-up from Group I, either France or Norway, in the Round of 32 on 30 June, while Curaçao’s memorable debut World Cup campaign comes to an end

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