2026 World Qualifiers - Historic "Elephants" in a (9-0) fiesta over The Seychelles

Abidjan, November 18, 2023 - The Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire annihilated the Pirates of Seychelles,  with an emphatic victory 9-0, at  stadium Ebimpé, on day one of the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers.

Kicked off at 7:03 p.m, the match seemed balanced during the first 15 minutes until a 20th minute penalty was  converted by Sébastien Haller on the back of a perfect counter against Seychells goalkeeper Carlos Siméon,  to unlocked  "les elephants" goal counter.

Coach Jean-Louis Gasset's men did not relinquish possession to the opposition until the break, with an advantage of 4 goals from Sébastien Haller (20'), Sangaré Ibrahim (24'), Simon Adingra ( 36') and Konaté Karim (40'); a first half with a high percentage ball possession by Captain Serges Aurier and his teammates. 
"The Pirates" only real scoring opportunity came in the 45th minute on a shot off target.

In the second half, "Les Elephants" showed no mercy to the opposition in strenght and technical hability in this one-sided rendez-vous.

Goalkeeper Carlos Siméon suffered the onslaught of a striking force led  by Séko Fofana (60'), Hamed Junior Traoré (77', 94'), Jean Phillipe Krasso (84') , and once more Konaté Karim (95'),  for a final tally of 9-Nil.

Collective and individual performances from young and experienceed teammates provided a much needed breath of fresh air for "Les Elephants".

In his post-match interviw, coach Gasset was reassuring on behalf of his team. Thus, promising an even better performance on Monday November 20, 2023 against Gambia in Tanzania. “ For our first match in this competition, we had to manage it well and be efficient, that’s what we did. I congratulate all the players for their performance. Next Monday's match holds as much value, so we will need the same effectiveness,” .

Ivory Coast gains 3 points to top the table in group F with this large goal average(9-0). Burundi 2nd , Gabon 3rd , Gambia 4th and Kenya 5th , After the first day.

Claude DJAQUIS Bady

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