By Joseph S. Conteh
Ivory Coast proved their superiority over Sierra Leone with a convincing 4-1 victory in their recent matchup. The game took place at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Ivory Coast, and saw the home team assert their dominance throughout the encounter.
The scoring was opened in the 3rd minute by N. Pépé, giving Ivory Coast an early lead. Sierra Leone managed to equalize in the 43rd minute through A. Koroma, but Ivory Coast quickly regained control in the second half.
F. Kessié scored two goals, one in the 51st minute and another from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, to put Ivory Coast firmly in the driver’s seat. O. Diakité sealed the victory for the home team with a penalty goal in the 87th minute, finalizing the score at 4-1.
The result raises serious doubts about Sierra Leone’s chances in the group as they prepare to face Ivory Coast again on Tuesday in the reverse fixture, which will be played in Monrovia, Liberia.
