Ivory Coast earned a 2-0 away victory over Somalia on Tuesday, September 29th in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The Elephants needed late goals from substitutes Yann Gboho (89th minute) and Bazoumana Touré (90th+5) to break down a stubborn Somali defense.

Coach Hervé Renard set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Gboho and Touré starting on the bench. Despite overwhelming dominance with 74% possession and 23 shots, the Ivorians were frustrated for long periods. Somali goalkeeper Isse Hussein made four saves to keep the scoreline level.

The breakthrough finally came in the 89th minute. Yann Gboho, who had been introduced just seven minutes earlier, found the net with a precise finish. "Goal 0-1," he said post-match. In added time, fellow substitute Bazoumana Touré sealed the three points by adding a second. "Goal 0-2," Touré confirmed.

The team's focus now shifts to a major African derby at home against Cameroon on Saturday, October 3rd.

Manager Hervé Renard confirmed Yann Gboho scored his first international goal on his debut for Ivory Coast. "A whole country will remember his baptism," said Renard. The 2-0 win brings the Elephants' recent form to three wins and two losses in their last five matches. They face Cameroon on October 3.