Ivory Coast aimed to beat Germany in Toronto and secure top spot in Group E, but ultimately fell 2-1 to the four-time champions after a 93rd-minute winner, according to the report. Franck Kessié put the Elephants ahead on 30 minutes, finishing from close range after Amad Diallo’s initial effort was blocked.
Germany levelled when Deniz Undav finished on 68 minutes after Nadiem Amiri’s cross evaded defender Odilon Kossounou, and Undav later converted the stoppage-time winner to send Germany through to the Last 32, according to the report. The late goal denied Ivory Coast a result that would have left them top of the group.
The report notes that Ivory Coast displayed admirable game management for much of the final portion of the match, knowing when to slow play, clear danger and draw fouls, but tired as Germany found a way back. Substitute Simon Adingra missed a late chance when his control let him down with the goal at his mercy, the report adds.
Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast remain well positioned with one group game remaining. They already have three points from a 1-0 win over Ecuador and will face Curacao in their final fixture, giving them a strong chance to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history, according to the report.
Coach Fae fielded one of the youngest squads at the tournament, with an average age of 25.35, and again turned to youth against Germany, the report says. Nineteen-year-old Yan Diomande kept his place out wide and was switched to the left, with Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo (23) on the right. Diomande impressed in one-on-one situations and in the build-up to the goal, though his passing and touches were inconsistent and Germany eventually doubled up on him.
Fae also handed a first competitive start to 22-year-old Ange-Yoan Bonny, a former France youth international who switched allegiance and made his competitive debut as a substitute against Ecuador. The report describes Bonny as showing in-game intelligence, astute movement and refined technique, with the 6’2 forward possessing the presence to lead the line if he can add goals consistently. The coach also started 20-year-old Christ Inao Oulaï at the base of midfield.
