Rennes defender Guela Doue made a memorable international debut, scoring the decisive goal as Ivory Coast secured a 2-1 victory over Uruguay in a friendly match held in Lens on Tuesday.
The Elephants, champions of the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, took the lead just nine minutes into the game when Napoli defender Mathias Olivera inadvertently scored an own goal in front of a partially filled Stade Bollaert.
Uruguay managed to equalize with 13 minutes remaining, as forward Federico Vinas netted his first goal for his country in his second appearance.
However, it was Doue, aged 21, who ultimately sealed the win for Ivory Coast with a goal six minutes before the final whistle, assisted by Simon Adingra. This victory concluded Ivory Coast’s brief tour of France, following their 2-2 draw against Benin in Amiens on Saturday.
The match ended on a contentious note, with Ivory Coast defender Odilon Kossounou and Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte both receiving yellow cards for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 97th minute.
