Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast made history with a 2-0 win over Curacao.
Ivory Coast have qualified for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after defeating Curacao 2-0 in their final Group E match. Nicolas Pepe scored in each half to seal the victory, helping the Elephants finish second in the group with six points.
The Ivorians made a dream start after just seven minutes when Yan Diomande dispossessed Curacao’s defence and set up Pepe for a simple finish. The former Arsenal winger doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner, securing Ivory Coast’s second win of the tournament.
The result marks a major milestone for Ivory Coast, who had previously exited at the group stage in all three of their World Cup appearances. Curacao, making history as the smallest nation by population to compete at a men’s World Cup, exit the tournament after earning their first-ever World Cup point in a draw against Ecuador.
Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae praised his squad’s unity and urged fans to celebrate the historic achievement before rallying behind the team for the knockout rounds.
The Elephants now advance to the Round of 32 with confidence as they continue their best-ever FIFA World Cup campaign.
