Coach Gasset starts Cote d'Ivoire reign with impressive win over Zambia
Published:
Louis Gasset commenced his reign as head coach of Cote d'Ivoire with a resounding 3-1 victory over Zambia on Friday night at the Stade de Yamoussoukro.
Gasset lined up a very strong side to see off the Chipolopolo with the impressive scoreline in the opening Group H game of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.
The Elephants managed to break down the resolute Zambian defence after the break as all the fours goals were scored in the second-half.
Serge Aurier, Christian Kouakou Kouame and Ibrahim Sangare scored for the home side with Patson Daka getting the consolation in stoppage time.
The result was a good start for new coach Gasset who took over the squad last week and started the game with his best players including Sebastien Haller, Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangare and Jeremie Boga in the line-up.
Cote d'Ivoire were superior in both halves of the match with a complete dominance to ensure they open their account at the new Stade de Yamoussoukro with a win.
Ghislain Konan with the first attempt on goal for Cote d'Ivoire in the 23rd minute but his piledriver from close range was saved by goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.
Few minutes later Nsabata produced another brilliant save to deny Max Alain Gradel's effort from the edge of the box.
It was Gradel again who came close to getting the opening goal in the 36th minute but his shot from inside the box struck the upright.
Zambia came into the second half as an improved side as they imposed a lot of pressure on the Ivorians in the early stages.
Ivorian goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare was called into action as they made a crucial save to prevent the Chipolopolo from taking the lead in the 63rd minute.
Cote d'Ivoire finally got the breakthrough four minutes later after captain Serge Aurier put them ahead with an assist from substitute Jean Evrard Kouassi.
Christian Kouakou Kouame doubled the advantage for the hosts with a free header following a cross from Gradel before Sangare wrapped up with another goal in the 89th minute.
Zambia pulled one back in stoppage time through Patson Daka following a swift counter attacking football.
