Guéla Doué stars against France as dual-national storyline follows into Senegal clash | OneFootball

Guéla Doué stole the show in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 win over France in Nantes, scoring and setting up a goal in his first France–Côte d’Ivoire meeting.

Leaving La Beaujoire smiling, he posed for selfies with jubilant Ivorian fans and sang both anthems, with his brother Désiré on the France bench and family in the stands. According to Le Progres, it was the first time in his professional career that he delivered both a goal and an assist in one match.

Mirroring his licence to roam at Racing Club de Strasbourg, the full-back repeatedly surged down the flank then drifted inside. His striker’s finish evoked his effort against PSG on 1 February, and offered a sharp contrast with France’s full-backs on the night.

Having opted in 2024 to represent his father’s country, Doué said he feels closely connected to the squad and well integrated. He views a first World Cup after his maiden AFCON this winter as a childhood dream, and believes beating France has created hope as the team aim to go as far as possible.

The trend is wider than one player. Three other dual nationals, Y. Fofana, S. Fofana and Wahi, started for Ivory Coast in Nantes, while African federations continue to attract leading prospects, as seen with Morocco and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Next up for France is Senegal on 16 June in New Jersey, where more dual nationals are likely to bring added motivation. Didier Deschamps considers that France’s opponents, especially African sides, have a maximum of motivation.

Doué’s display may yet inspire his former Strasbourg team-mates Habib Diarra and Mamadou Sarr, part of a Franco-Senegalese cohort looking to emulate the Lions of Teranga’s famous 2002 World Cup upset.

Source: Le Progres