Nicolas Pépé turned back the clock as Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao. The former Arsenal forward scored twice in a composed display that finally ended a group-stage hoodoo stretching back nearly two decades.
Ivory Coast arrived in the match needing only a point to secure second place in Group E, but Emerse Fae’s side played with greater ambition from the opening whistle.
Pépé struck after just seven minutes, capitalising on a defensive mistake before sweeping home Yan Diomande’s cross. The goal settled nerves inside the stadium and gave the Ivorians early control of a game loaded with expectation.
For Ivorian supporters, this was more than a routine group-stage win. The nation’s celebrated golden generation, led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, had never managed to reach the knockout rounds despite three World Cup appearances between 2006 and 2014.
There were painful memories of difficult draws, narrow exits and the infamous 93rd-minute defeat to Greece in 2014. This current squad carried the weight of those near misses, along with the disappointment of missing the previous two World Cups altogether.
Curaçao, making their World Cup debut, responded bravely after falling behind. Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong and Jurien Gaari all tested the Ivorian defence, but their attacks lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble goalkeeper Yahia Fofana consistently.
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute. Ibrahim Sangaré delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box, and Pépé opened his body before curling a fine finish beyond Eloy Room to secure Ivory Coast’s historic progression.
At 31, Pépé became only the second Ivorian over the age of 30 to score at a World Cup, joining Drogba. His brace also placed him alongside African legend Roger Milla as one of the oldest players from the continent to score twice in a single World Cup match.
Diomande also continued his remarkable emergence on the world stage. The teenager’s assist for the opening goal highlighted why he has become one of Europe’s most sought-after young attackers, with his pace and dribbling causing problems throughout the tournament.
After the final whistle, Fae urged supporters to savour the moment. “My message to fans would be to enjoy this historic qualification, celebrate it,” he said. “Once we are done celebrating, please continue sending us positive vibes so we can go as far as we can in this tournament.”
Fae also praised the spirit within his squad. “This group is growing,” he added. “It is a team that sticks together. We have healthy competition which helps every player give their best.”
Now, after years of frustration, Ivory Coast can finally look forward to the World Cup knockout stage with belief rather than regret.
