Ivory Coast knock out the DR Congo and advance to the third round of the Olympic qualifiers

Having won the first leg, the Ivorians confirmed their superiority on Tuesday 13 October at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

The Ivorian national team dominated the Democratic Republic of the Congo over both legs. They had won 4–1 in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.

In the return leg on Tuesday 13 October in Abidjan, Reynald Pedros’s players reaffirmed their status with another victory. N’sira Safi set the tone by opening the scoring in the 18th minute (1–0). A few minutes later, Nadaj Mette doubled the lead from the penalty spot. She converted it with a perfectly executed Panenka in the 24th minute (2–0).

The Elephants sealed their victory once and for all in stoppage time. Grace Sery scored the third goal in the 90+3rd minute (3–0).

Over the two legs, Ivory Coast won 7–1 and progressed in style to the third round of Olympic qualifying. For the DR Congo, the journey ends in the second round. Pamphile Mihayo’s side will therefore not be competing at the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.