France 1-2 Côte d’Ivoire ratings, Cherki impresses as Konaté struggles | OneFootball

Twelve days before their World Cup opener, France fell 2-1 to Côte d’Ivoire in Nantes, their first defeat in a year.

According to L'Équipe, Cherki caught the eye and put France ahead on 45 minutes after gliding past Seko Fofana. Moments earlier, Mike Maignan had denied Simon Adingra.

The visitors rallied after the break. Guéla Doué levelled on 53 minutes from a Nicolas Pépé pass, then crossed for Amad Diallo to win it on 84, with Malo Gusto slow to react.

Ibrahima Konaté toiled on the right of central defence before making way on 67, despite registering an assist. If Saliba returns to form in time, his place could be at risk.

Dayot Upamecano impressed before half-time, but Maxence Lacroix’s interval introduction brought uncertainty on the ball. Theo Hernandez offered little thrust, and Lucas Digne was sluggish for both goals.

Jules Koundé contained Yan Diomandé only in spells. Aurélien Tchouaméni’s turnover almost cost a goal, N’Golo Kanté steadied midfield after the break.

Michael Olise worked diligently and fed Kylian Mbappé early, though chances were scarce and the captain departed at half-time. Marcus Thuram again struggled to impose himself, while Jean-Philippe Mateta was willing without being dangerous. Didier Deschamps used a 4-2-3-1, with Olise on the right and Cherki central, but rotation blunted cohesion.

For Côte d’Ivoire, Yahia Fofana’s saves from Mbappé, Olise, Thuram and Tchouaméni kept them alive. The Singo and Agbadou axis looked secure, and the changes after half-time tilted the contest.

Source: L'Équipe