Ivory Coast fell to a 1-0 defeat against Cameroon in a friendly international played on Saturday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé. Striker Bil Nsongo scored the only goal of the match in the 47th minute, assisted by Arthur Avom.
This loss halts the Elephants' momentum after two impressive victories in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The manager made three changes at half-time, introducing Ghislain Konan, Charles Inao Oulai and Andy Bonny, but the team could not find an equaliser.
Cameroon midfielder David Roi Nyengue was shown a yellow card in the 29th minute, followed by Ivorian Ibrahim Sangaré a minute later. The opening period was evenly matched, but the decisive action came shortly after the restart.
"Bil Nsongo scored the only goal of the match in the 46th minute, thanks to a fine pass from Arthur Ebong," was reported. The Ivorian defence, which had been solid in the first half with Ousmane Diomande and Emmanuel Agbadou, was breached on a quick counter-attack.
As part of their preparation, this match allows for adjustments before World Cup qualifying resumes. The Elephants currently sit second in their group with six points from three games. Their next fixture is a home match against Gambia on 11 November.
Goalkeeper Alban Lafont and his teammates must quickly move on. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with two consecutive losses following two wins.
Ivory Coast beat Ghana 2-0 on September 24 in Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification, the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed. This victory, which brings its recent record to two wins and three losses, comes after the 0-1 defeat to Cameroon on October 3.
