Ivory Coast joined African compatriots Morocco and South Africa to automatically qualify into round 32 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup that is co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
On Thursday morning, Nicholas Pepe bagged a brace when Ivory Coast defeated Curacao, one of the smallest nations to qualify for the expanded World Cup 2-0 to finish second in pool E behind Germany.
The Emerse Fae coached side’s qualification will see them either play France or Norway, on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
The former Arsenal player oped the score in the 7th minute for a 1-0 lead before doubling and sealing a 2-0 victory in the 64th minute.
Coming from West Africa, Ivory Coast completed the pool matches with six points after winning two matches and losing one.
They first beat Ecuador 1-0, lost the Germany 2-1 and a 2-0 victory over Curacao.
In other pool match, Ecuador were 2-1 winners over Germany. Despite the loss, Germany still leads the pool with 6 points with a +6 goals unlike Ivory’s +2 while Ecuador completed in 3rd place on 4 points before Curacao completing the table with a point