Pepe’s brace sends Ivory Coast to first knockouts as Curacao exit World Cup

Ivory Coast secured their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on November 17, 2023, with a 2-1 victory over South Korea. Ousmane Diomande scored the opening goal for Ivory Coast in the 38th minute, followed by a decisive strike from Karim Konate in the 75th minute. South Korea managed to pull one back through Bae Jun-ho in the 88th minute, but it was not enough to overcome the Ivorian defense. This win marks Ivory Coast's first appearance in the knockout rounds of the U-17 World Cup since 2013. They will now face the second-place finisher from Group I, which comprises France and Norway, in their next match on Tuesday in Texas. The victory ensures Ivory Coast advances from Group E, alongside Spain, who also qualified.