Cote d’Ivoire fired a warning to their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations rivals by thrashing Sierra Leone 5-1 in Saturday’s pleasant forward of internet hosting the continental showpiece.
The Elephants placed on an attacking masterclass to brush apart the Leone Stars in San Pedro, every week earlier than the match kicks off.
Defender Ousmane Diomandé opened the scoring on 17 minutes, fantastically teed up by Jeremie Boga from a free-kick.
Franck Kessie then lit up the Stade Laurent Pokou by rocketing an unstoppable volley into the highest nook to make it 2-0 after 37 minutes.
Jonathan Bamba added a 3rd for the rampant Ivorians simply earlier than the break, coolly rounding the goalkeeper to stroke house after an incisive staff transfer.
Boga turned from supplier to scorer early within the second interval, exquisitely curling a free-kick past the despairing dive of Mohamed Kamara.
Substitute Lazare Amani grabbed Ivory Coast’s fifth late on earlier than Rodney Strasser netted a comfort penalty for the overwhelmed Sierra Leoneans.
“This efficiency will give us nice confidence for the match,” beamed Cote d’Ivoire boss Jean-Louis Gasset.
The imperious win sends an ominous message to Group A rivals Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
