History Made: Côte d’Ivoire Advance to FIFA World Cup Knockout Stages After Pepe’s Heroics
Côte d’Ivoire made history on Thursday night as Nicolas Pepe scored twice to secure a 2-0 victory over Curaçao, sending the Elephants into the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.
Pepe struck in both halves at Philadelphia Stadium, with his seventh-minute opener becoming the fastest goal ever scored by Côte d’Ivoire in World Cup history.
His second, a composed left-foot finish in the 64th minute after a slick give-and-go with Ibrahim Sangaré, sealed the win and the Elephants’ passage as Group E runners-up.
The match marked a turning point for Côte d’Ivoire, who had made four changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Germany.
Villarreal forward Pepe, restored to the lineup, proved decisive. His first goal came after Yan Diomande dazzled on the wing, cutting back a low ball that Pepe tapped home from close range.
Curaçao, making their World Cup debut, showed flashes of promise through Tahith Chong and captain Leandro Bacuna, but their efforts failed to find the target.
Chong’s powerful strike flew just over the bar late in the first half, while Bacuna’s solo run ended with a shot wide of the near post.
The Elephants controlled the tempo after halftime, slowing the pace but keeping Curaçao at arm’s length. Pepe’s second goal extinguished any hopes of a comeback and confirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s place in the last 16, where they will face the runners-up from Group I in Dallas on June 30.
