Pepe brace sends Ivory Coast into last 16

Ivory Coast secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a composed 2-0 win over Curacao in their final Group E match. The Elephants struck early, taking the lead after six minutes when Yan Diomande’s burst down the left sparked chaos in the box, allowing Nicolas Pepe to sweep home from close range. Energised by the breakthrough, Ivory Coast pushed for a second, with Amad Diallo, Ange‑Yoan Bonny and Franck Kessie all threatening to extend the advantage. Curacao, however, responded bravely through the Bacuna brothers, who led several dangerous counters, though none produced an equaliser.

After the interval, Ivory Coast tightened their grip on the contest, dictating possession and slowing Curacao’s rhythm. The decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute as Ibrahim Sangare released Pepe, who finished emphatically into the top corner. Curacao fought until the end, but Ivory Coast’s defensive discipline ensured safe passage into the last sixteen.