Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 on Thursday to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.
The former Arsenal forward, now with Villarreal, struck in the seventh minute before adding his second just after the hour mark to seal the historic victory in Philadelphia.
The win leaves the 2024 African champions with six points in Group E, following a 1-0 victory over Ecuador and a 2-1 defeat to Germany. Ivory Coast advanced as group runners-up behind Germany on head-to-head record after the Germans lost 2-1 to Ecuador.
The Elephants, who had failed to progress beyond the group stage in their previous three World Cup appearances, will now face the runners-up of Group I in the last 32 next Tuesday in Dallas, with either France or Norway awaiting.
Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup finals, bowed out after finishing bottom of the group without a win. Despite the defeat, the Caribbean side earned praise for a memorable debut tournament, highlighted by a goalless draw against Ecuador after an opening 7-1 loss to Germany.
Ivory Coast took control early when Yan Diomande set up Pepe for the opener, before Ibrahim Sangare’s precise through ball allowed the striker to complete his brace in the 64th minute and secure a landmark victory for the Elephants.
