France collapsed against Ivory Coast, for the Group B second match. After a draw against Wales, France were beaten 1-2 by the African side.
During the first period, the game was quite balanced. France had the ball possession but didn’t get any big chance. The French attacks weren't very successful even if Boutobba (FRA/10) tried to create opportunities for his teammates, However, Dante (CIV/1) hadn't a lot of work to do. France only got a situation just before the half time. Aye (FRA/11) was close to push the ball into the goal, after a Boutobba’s cross. Meanwhile, Ivorians weren’t more inspired so Bertaud (FRA/1) didn’t have to make a single big save.
In the second half, both teams eventually found the net. Marcel (FRA/7) the best French player of the game, scored the first goal of the match after a beautiful cross from Osei (FRA/13). But Ivory Coast equalized at the 62nd minute thanks to Amani (CIV/10). Then, Kader Toure Yaya (CIV/2) came off the bench to score a late winner. The Ivorian midfielder fired a deflected shot from the edge of the box to beat the French keeper.. The Ivory Coast's players have shown again their efficiency as they have already beaten Bahrain in the previous game..
France - Ivory Coast : 1-2 (0-0)
Day 2 - Group B
Stade Parsemain, Fos-sur-Mer
Goals : Marcel (45’) / Amani (62’), Toure Yaya (80')
France : Bertaud - Georgen (C), Ruiz, Fischer, Perraud (Roldan 65’) - Janvier (Sissako 61’), Boutobba (65’ Mateta), Marcel - Nordin, Aye, Osei (Barka 71') - Coach: Jean-Claude Giuntini
Ivory Coast : Dante - Zai, Kouyate, Meleke, Diaby (C) - Dakoi, Tiehi, Yobouet (Amani 55’/ Toure 76') - Krasso (Agnero 55’), Loba, Gnoukouri - Coach: Soualiho Haidara
Anthony Guttuso -
Photo Credits: Magali Ruffato / Eric Estrade