Ligue 1 Côte d’Ivoire: ASEC Mimosas defeat FC San Pedro to strengthen early lead

After being forced to settle for the runner-up position last season in the Ivorian top flight Ligue 1, ASEC Mimosas are on a mission for redemption this season and are firmly in pole position after Thursday’s 4-2 victory over fellow contenders FC San Pedro.

It was far from an ideal start for Les Jaune Noirs, who fell behind early by two goals. San Pedro, who are impressing in the CAF Confederation Cup this season, jumped ahead through Abi Kassi’s audacious effort in the 9th minute. The midfielder looped a shot from a difficult angle over the head of ASEC Mimosas goalkeeper Charles Folly.

Supporters of Les Mimos were left further in doubt when top striking talent Dramane Kamagaté continued his sensational form by doubling San Pedro’s lead before fifteen minuts had elapsed.

But the tide turned for good when the hosts struck back quickly. Left back Mohamed Ali Yabré attempted a hopeful effort from distance but his shot turned into a perfect cross for Ouato Bakaré, who finished from close range to become the top scorer in Ivory Coast’s Ligue 1.

San Pedro failed to take advantage of a couple of good chances and despite holding onto their lead by halftime, the visitors completely collapsed in the second half. Carlos Zouzou equalized following a clever short corner kick less than two minutes after the interval and Ben Kouyaté completed a catastrophic stretch for San Pedro by putting ASEC Mimosas ahead in the 53rd minute.

 

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Souleymane Fofana finished the scoring on the hour mark for ASEC Mimosas, who are now six points clear of San Pedro and FC Korhogo at the top of the table. After being eliminated in the qualifying stages of the CAF Champions League, there are no distractions for the Abidjan giants as they look to claim their first title after two seasons of disappointment.