The women’s national team lf Ivory Coast saw their impressive six-match winning streak in 2026 come to an end after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.
The result denied the Elephants a seventh consecutive victory in what had been a strong run of form, as they were unable to break down a well-organised Cape Verde side in a tightly contested international friendly.
Coming into the match on the back of a 2-0 victory in the first leg, Ivory Coast had been aiming to extend their winning sequence and maintain momentum ahead of major upcoming fixtures. However, Cape Verde delivered a disciplined defensive performance that successfully neutralised the home side’s attacking threats throughout the encounter.
Despite playing on home soil, Ivory Coast struggled to find rhythm in the final third, with opportunities at a premium during a match defined more by organisation and structure than attacking fluidity. Cape Verde’s defensive shape remained compact and consistent, closing down space and limiting the Elephants’ ability to create clear chances.
The goalless outcome reflected the balance of the contest, with neither side able to assert decisive control in front of goal. While Ivory Coast sought to impose their attacking style, they were repeatedly frustrated by Cape Verde’s resilience and tactical discipline.
The match formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament for which both nations are continuing to fine-tune their squads and strategies.
For Ivory Coast, the draw serves as a reminder that despite their recent strong run of form, there is still work to be done in breaking down organised opposition. The Elephants had scored consistently during their winning streak but found it difficult to replicate that attacking efficiency in this encounter.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their ability to hold one of the region’s in-form sides. Their defensive performance ensured they left Abidjan with a valuable result, particularly after the defeat in the first leg of the fixture.
The match also highlighted the contrasting approaches of the two sides, with Ivory Coast attempting to dictate play while Cape Verde prioritised structure and defensive solidity. In the end, neither approach produced a breakthrough, resulting in a stalemate.
Although the draw ended Ivory Coast’s winning run in 2026, it also provided useful insight for both teams as they continue their preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. With the tournament in Morocco approaching, both sides will be looking to refine their performances and build consistency in the coming weeks.
For the Elephants, attention will now turn to rediscovering their attacking edge, while Cape Verde can take confidence from a disciplined display that earned them a hard-fought draw against a strong opponent.
