Ivory Coast U17 women’s national team have been eliminated from the race to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Sierra Leone U17 women’s national team in their first-round tie.
The result, secured in the return leg at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, ended Ivory Coast’s hopes of reaching the global tournament despite having played both matches on home soil.
After a goalless 0-0 draw in the first leg, the decisive second match saw the hosts take an early advantage, only to be undone by a late comeback from Sierra Leone.
Ivory Coast began the match with intent, encouraged by strong home support.
Their pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when Boka Ange Allison Kouamé found the breakthrough, giving the home side a crucial lead and raising hopes of progression.
However, the momentum shifted after the break. Sierra Leone responded with renewed determination, gradually taking control of the game.
Their persistence was rewarded when they found an equaliser in the second half, before delivering a decisive blow in stoppage time.
Goals from Musu Senge and Fatmata Turay completed the turnaround, sealing a 2-1 victory on the day and confirming Sierra Leone’s progression to the next round of qualifiers.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat is a significant setback, particularly given the advantage of hosting both legs of the tie.
The inability to convert home advantage into qualification will be a source of disappointment for the team and their supporters.
From an African football perspective, the result highlights the growing competitiveness in women’s youth football across the continent.
Sierra Leone’s comeback under pressure demonstrates resilience and belief, qualities that are becoming increasingly evident among emerging teams.
Ivory Coast’s campaign, meanwhile, ends earlier than anticipated.
Having taken the lead in the decisive match, they were unable to maintain control, ultimately conceding twice in the latter stages of the game.
Sierra Leone will now face Benin U17 women’s national team in the second round of qualifiers.
Benin progressed after eliminating Burkina Faso U17 women’s national team, setting up what promises to be another competitive tie.
For the young Ivorian side, attention will now turn to rebuilding and preparing for future competitions, with lessons to be drawn from a campaign that showed promise but ultimately ended in disappointment.
