Ivory Coast go into the halftime break with a deserved 1-0 lead over Curaçao after a composed first-half display in their crucial Group E encounter.
The Elephants wasted little time in asserting themselves, taking the lead in the 7th minute through Nicolas Pépé.
The experienced forward finished clinically to give Ivory Coast the perfect start and put them firmly in control of the contest.
Despite the early setback, Curaçao gradually settled into the game after a shaky opening.
While they struggled defensively in the early stages, they began to enjoy more possession and asked a few questions of the Ivorian backline as the first half progressed.
Pépé’s influence remained evident throughout the opening 45 minutes, although his yellow card could prove significant in the second half, with the winger likely needing to be more cautious to avoid a dismissal.
Ivory Coast finished the half on the front foot, creating the more dangerous attacking moments and looking capable of extending their advantage.
However, with just a single goal separating the sides, the Elephants know they must capitalize on their dominance and put the game beyond Curaçao’s reach.
At the break, Ivory Coast hold the advantage thanks to Pépé’s early strike, but with Curaçao showing signs of improvement, an entertaining second half is expected.
