An intriguing friendly took place in Nantes as two nations preparing for the FIFA World Cup went head-to-head ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America. Côte d’Ivoire came from behind to beat France, securing a prestigious victory in their final stages of preparation for the global showpiece. Two Inter players featured in the match: Marcus Thuram, who started for France, and Ange-Yoan Bonny, who made his senior debut for Côte d’Ivoire.
The match at the Stade de la Beaujoire saw Les Bleus take the lead through Cherki just before half-time. Côte d’Ivoire responded after the break, completing the turnaround to claim a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Doué and a decisive strike from Amad Diallo in the 84th minute. The Nerazzurri duel was won by Bonny, who started on the bench before coming on in the 68th minute to replace Seko Fofana. The Inter forward’s 22-minute appearance marked his senior debut for Les Éléphants. For France, Marcus Thuram was named in the starting line-up by Head Coach Didier Deschamps. Tikus played 89 minutes before being replaced by Barcola late on.
France will return to action for one final pre-World Cup friendly against Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday 8 June, while Côte d’Ivoire have now completed their preparations for the tournament and will begin their group-stage campaign against Ecuador in Philadelphia in the early hours of Monday 15 June (Italian time).
