Friendly: Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Burkina Faso in demonstration, Madagascar impresses
African nations made a mark on Saturday during the international friendly matches. Between offensive demonstrations, collective confirmations and promising new faces, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Burkina Faso sent strong signals, while Madagascar had a spectacular recital.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
Côte d'Ivoire hits hard before the big deadlines
Opposed to South Korea in Milton Keynes, the Elephants delivered a successful performance, imposing themselves with authority (4-0). A clear victory that confirms the rise of the group led by Émerse Faé. Worn by players playing in Europe, the Ivorian team has made its effectiveness known. Evan Guessand opened the scoring before Simon Adingra doubled the score just before the break. In the second period, Martial Godo, for his first selection, and Wilfried Singo sealed a victory without appeal. A controlled performance that reassures before the next international events and confirms Ivorian ambitions as the World Cup approaches.
Senegal between celebration and efficiency
At the Stade de France, the evening had begun with a celebration of the continental coronation, in an atmosphere notably led by Youssou Ndour. But the Lions quickly turned serious to dominate Peru (2-0). On the field, Senegal confirmed their solidity. Ibrahim Mbaye distinguished himself by delivering an assist to Nicolas Jackson before Ismaïla Sarr made the break in the second period. Beyond the result, it is the collective mastery and the ability to respond in a particular context, marked by tensions with CAF, that strengthen the stature of the Lions on the African and international scene.
Burkina Faso: Amir Abdou perfectly launches his era
New dynamic, same efficiency. For his first time on the bench, Amir Abdou saw his team from Burkina Faso play against Guinea-Bissau (5-0). The evening was marked by Elohim Kaboré’s tripling, impressive for his first selection. Pierre Kaboré and Dango Ouattara also participated in the offensive festival. A reference victory that immediately establishes a new dynamic and offers certainty to a group in reconstruction.
Madagascar, the unexpected demonstration
Less expected, the performance of Madagascar is no less spectacular. The Barea literally outclassed Kyrgyzstan with a 4-0 win in the first period. Corentin Martins' men imposed an intense pressing and a clinical realism. Randrianantenaina, Fontaine, Caddy W. and Couturier in turn found the net. A performance that reflects the progress of a team capable now of producing an ambitious and effective football.