Nicolas Pépé's Brace Secures Ivory Coast Victory Over Curaçao
June 25, 2026 · By yayscore Newsroom
Updated:
Published by Yayscore LTD. Match data from licensed providers.
This report was generated from licensed match data with automated assistance and reviewed by a yayscore editor before publication. Editorial standards
Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 in their third group-stage match, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals.
Ivory Coast secured a 2-0 victory over Curaçao in their third group stage match. The West African side asserted their control early, preventing any real threat from their opponents throughout the match.
Nicolas Pépé was the hero for Ivory Coast, opening the scoring just seven minutes into the game from a Yan Diomande assist. Despite picking up a yellow card at 35 minutes for a foul, Pépé continued to be a driving force, netting his second goal in the 64th minute with an assist from Ibrahim Sangaré, effectively putting the game beyond Curaçao's reach. Curaçao's efforts were largely stifled, managing only two shots on target throughout the ninety minutes.
Ivory Coast maintained significant possession with 63% and demonstrated greater clinicality in front of goal compared to Curaçao's more numerous but less effective attempts. The substitutions made by Ivory Coast, including the departure of the two-goal scorer Pépé at 67 minutes, signaled a comfortable lead and an opportunity to rest key players. Curaçao received two yellow cards in the second half for fouls by Juninho Bacuna (75') and Gervane Kastaneer (83').
This victory concludes the group stage for both teams. Curaçao, having previously lost 1-7 to Germany and drawn 0-0 with Ecuador, finished their campaign without a win. Ivory Coast, who had won 1-0 against Ecuador and lost 1-2 to Germany, finished with two wins from three matches.