Amad Diallo wins man-of-the-match on Ivory Coast debut under Renard
The Elephants beat Gambia 2-1 in the third round of CAN 2027 qualifying at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
Ivory Coast beat Gambia 2-1 on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Amad Diallo, the Manchester United winger, made his first appearance under coach Hervé Renard and was named man of the match with a rating of 7 out of 10.
Renard said he was pleased with the three points but told his players to stay alert in the remaining matches. The win moves the Elephants forward in a group that also includes Gambia, the team they beat at home in the same match.
The match was the third of the qualifiers for the tournament, which Ivory Coast will host in 2027 as part of the African football calendar.
Why it mattersDiallo's first start under Renard gives the coach a new option on the wing before the next qualifiers.