Cote D’Ivoire revived their U17 AFCON qualification hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin Republic in the WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations on Saturday, bouncing back from an embarrassing opening loss to Ghana.
The match-winning moment came from second-half substitute Adama Diabate, who scored late in the game to secure the win for the young Elephants. Diabate, representing ASFA, took advantage of a poor clearance from the Benin defense, skillfully maneuvering past his markers before delivering a brilliant finish.
Despite their dominance throughout both halves, Cote D’Ivoire missed several opportunities to score, prompting coach Bassikiri Diabate to make strategic changes in the second half. Early in the match, Ibrahim Dosso had a chance to break the deadlock but failed to convert, with Benin goalkeeper Mohamed Katchakolo making a crucial save on another attempt.
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Moussa Kone and Youbah Coulibaly also squandered key chances, and Benin’s Achirafou Sambam posed a threat just before halftime. After the break, Ivory Coast’s coach introduced Moise Dieudonne and Soulihou Bamba, who both came close to scoring.
However, it was Diabate, the late substitute, who ultimately secured the victory for the Ivorians with his decisive goal. With this win, Cote D’Ivoire keeps their hopes of qualifying for the AFCON alive.
The young Elephants now await the result of the match between Ghana and Benin on Tuesday to determine their semi-final fate.
