In a whirlwind of football action across the globe, African teams left their mark during the international break, showcasing their prowess on the pitch led by Ivory Coast.
Among the standout performances, reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast stole the spotlight by stunning Uruguay with a 2-1 victory in Lens, France.
The Elephants displayed their trademark resilience and skill, with goals from Matías Oliveira and Guilla Doy securing a memorable win over their South American counterparts.
The victory reaffirmed Ivory Coast’s status as a force to be reckoned with in international football, further solidifying their reputation as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
Meanwhile, in other fixtures involving African teams, Algeria and South Africa treated fans to a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Yassine Benzia’s brace for the hosts was matched by a resilient South African side, led by Themba Zwane and Ikram Reiners, ensuring an electrifying deadlock that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
Elsewhere, Senegal clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin, with Sadio Mane converting a crucial penalty to secure the win for the Lions of Teranga. Uganda and Ghana played out a captivating 2-2 draw, while Egypt suffered a 4-2 defeat against Croatia in Cairo.
However, it wasn’t all triumph for African teams, as Nigeria succumbed to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Mali in Marrakech. Despite the setback, the Super Eagles remain a formidable force in African football and will be eager to bounce back stronger in future competitions.
In other fixtures, Burkina Faso drew 1-1 against Niger, Morocco played out a goalless stalemate with Mauritania, and Togo settled for a 1-1 draw against Libya.
The enthralling array of friendly matches showcased the competitive spirit and talent across the African footballing landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
As the dust settles on the international break, African teams can take pride in their performances, with Ivory Coast’s victory over Uruguay standing out as a testament to the continent’s footballing prowess.
With eyes now turning towards the future, these teams will be aiming to build on their successes and continue to make their mark on the global stage.
PHOTO: X
