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4 May 2018
The Toulon Tournament’s most memorable moments : 2010, Ivory Coast became the first African nation to clinch the title (12/16)
Ahead of the 46th edition of the Toulon Tournament, which will be held from 26th May to 9th June, we’ve delved into the archives to relive some of the most memorable moments in the tournament history. Every Tuesday and Friday, we look back at the most thrilling facts provided by the competition. Today, throwback to 2010, Ivory Coast were the first African nation to win the title.
Eight years ago, one of the most beautiful chapters of the Maurice Revello Tournament was written : Ivory Coast became the first African nation to clinch the Festival's title on 2010. A display that none other country from this continent achieved so far. This one is more impressive given the obstacles they faced on their path.
Led by several promising players as Yannick Sagbo, Brice Dja Djedje or Giovanni Sio, Ivorians had to qualify in a group with Japan, Colombia and France.
The Alain Gouamene's men managed to do it, firstly thanks to a brilliant win over Japan (3-0), before to defeat Colombia (2-0) formed by plenty of future international players like Luis Muriel, Edwin Cardona, Santiago Arias or Jose Izquierdo. On the other hand, Ivory Coast lost against the France of Morgan Schneiderlin (1-2). A loss without any consequence, as Africans reached the semi-finals though.
The Colombia-Ivory Coast game scoresheet
In the final four, Ivory Coast met a spectacular Chile team (ten goals scored during group round). But, not intimidated at all by this attacking strength, they overcame South-Americans (2-0) thanks to goals from Yannick Sagbo and Serge Deble, named as the best player of the Tournament.
Yannick Sagbo and Eduardo Vargas, both future international players
The 27th May 2010, an unprecedented final took place at Stade Mayol (Toulon) between Ivorians and Danish, who beat France in semi-finals.
Despite the stake, Ivory Coast quickly took a fully deserved lead thanks to Moustapha Ouedraogo and Bi Goua Gohou. However, Nicki Bille Nielsen permitted his team to remain in the game and calm down the Ivorians' fever. Finally, Giovanni Sio showed up a few minutes before the final whistle to give his team a two goals lead. The last Danish goal in the final seconds was anecdotal and insufficient to stop Ivorian players on their run to the title.
And put their names for ever in the Maurice Revello Tournament's history.
Amayes Brahmi
READ ALSO :
The Toulon Tournament’s most memorable moments : 1982, the emergence of the Koeman brothers (2/16)
The Toulon Tournament’s most memorable moments : 1991, the Alan Shearer's legendary display (6/16)
