Ivory Coast fail to qualify for World Cup 2018 after suffering 2-0 defeat to Morocco


IVORY COAST have failed to qualify for next year’s competition after losing 2-0 to Morocco.

Following a shock defeat to Gabon in Group C, the Ivorians had to win to reach a fourth straight World Cup.

The Ivory Coast squad train ahead of the Morocco fixture
EPA

Nabil Dirar opened the scoring for the visitors with a delivery that bounced through the unorganised defence into the far corner of the net.

Medhi Benatia doubled Morocco’s tally when he confidently volleyed home a corner kick from close range.

Herve Renard’s side have now booked their spot in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

The Ivorians have reached the finals of the competition on three occasions in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Ismael Diomande and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba during the 2014 World Cup
Getty - Contributor

However, they have never progressed the group stages of the tournament.

Their best run in the prolific competition  to date was in 2010 in South Africa.


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The African side finished 17th with a record of one win, one draw and one loss.

Ghana, Cameroon and Algeria have also already failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Ex Arsenal forward Gervinho in action for Ivory Coast at the 2014 World Cup
AFP
Skipper Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast during the 2014 World Cup contest
EPA

A number of football fanatics have turned to Twitter to express their view on the Ivorians lacklustre display…

 

 

 


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