Ivory Coast claimed an unexpected 2-1 win over France in a World Cup preparation match at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes. Guéla Doué played a decisive role in the result, finding the net himself before creating the goal that settled the contest.
The home side moved in front just before the interval through Rayan Cherki. The attacker beat two opponents before finishing with a low effort past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana in the final minute of the opening half.
France created several opportunities throughout the evening, but Fofana repeatedly denied them. The Ivorian goalkeeper produced saves to stop attempts from Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Cherki as the visitors remained within reach.
Doué and Diallo lead Ivory Coast’s comeback
Eight minutes after the restart, the African side drew level. Nicolas Pépé supplied a pass into the path of Guéla Doué, who converted to bring the teams back onto equal terms.
The decisive moment arrived six minutes from the end of the match. Doué delivered a low ball from the right flank, and Amad Diallo finished the move to complete the turnaround.
The result carried an added family connection, as Guéla Doué’s brother, Désiré Doué, was among the France players involved with the national team setup for the fixture.
Deschamps rotates squad ahead of tournament
Supporters inside the stadium paid tribute to Didier Deschamps during the evening, displaying posters featuring the France manager. His tenure began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup as well as a run to the 2022 final. This tournament will mark the end of his time in charge.
All six players who participated in the recent Champions League final started the match on the bench. Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Désiré Doué, Lucas Hernandez, and William Saliba were initially left out, while Hernandez, Zaïre-Emery, and Barcola later entered the game during the second half.
France will play Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday before travelling to the United States. Their World Cup campaign begins against Senegal in New Jersey on 16 June. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will open its tournament against Ecuador in Philadelphia on 14 June.