Ivory Coast edged by New Zealand in frustrating friendly defeat

Photo: New Zealand Football/Facebook

The Ivory Coast national team experienced plenty of frustration on Saturday evening when the Elephants fell by a 0-1 score to their counterparts from New Zealand in a friendly match played at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

Despite long periods of domination and creating the majority of opportunities, the Ivorians failed to make their advantage count. Villarreal winger Nicolas Pépé created plenty of danger in a playmaking role but he, Evann Guessand and Emmanuel Latte Lath could not capitalize despite causing issues with their pace.

Elijah Just scored the only goal of the match close to halftime. Ivory Coast midfielder Mory Gbane was caught in possession and the All Whites countered quickly before Marko Stamenic set up Just to finish low past Elephants goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré.

The second half was less dominant for the West African side with New Zealand happy to continue to concede possession while maintaining defensive organization. Despite the introduction of Franck Kessié, Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra, the Ivorian attack failed to improve in a disappointing result.

The Elephants next face hosts Canada at the Canadian Shield Tournament on Tuesday at the same venue.