Ivory Coast produced a strong second-half comeback to defeat France 2-1 in an international friendly, delivering an early warning to one of the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France started brightly and took the lead through an excellent first-half strike from Rayan Cherki.
The hosts appeared in control during the opening stages and created several promising opportunities.
However, Ivory Coast responded with energy and determination after the break. Guela Doue restored parity before Amad Diallo completed the turnaround with the winning goal, sealing a memorable victory for the African side.
Despite the defeat, the French camp remained calm, emphasizing that the match was part of their preparations for the World Cup. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said the result should not be overanalyzed, stressing that the team remains confident ahead of the tournament.
France fielded an experimental lineup, with several key players rested and numerous substitutions made during the second half. The coaching staff used the match to assess squad depth and evaluate different tactical options.
Head coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged that his team lost momentum after halftime and praised Ivory Coast's pace and intensity. He noted that France could face opponents with similar characteristics during the World Cup.
The result serves as a valuable reminder for France as they continue their preparations, while Ivory Coast will take confidence from a victory that showcased their quality against one of international football's strongest teams.
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