Nicolas Pépé’s double fires Côte d’Ivoire into historic World Cup last 32 | OneFootball

Nicolas Pépé struck twice as Côte d’Ivoire beat Curaçao 2-0 on Thursday, securing the nation’s first ever passage beyond a World Cup group and into the last 32.

He opened the scoring in the seventh minute from a Yan Diomandé cross, then added a fine second in the 64th minute from the right, and was named player of the match. According to L'Équipe, he was left out of the last AFCON after remarks that displeased the federation.

In a YouTube interview he criticised players who choose a national team opportunistically and laughed at Alban Lafont’s Ivorian passport, and the omission came despite a superb start to the season with Villarreal. Pépé stood by his words, saying he chose the Elephants at 21, and said he suffered racist abuse online while the federation reacted too late for his liking.

He has been in regular contact with coach Emerse Faé, who said the episode is behind them and that Pépé has taken a step within the group.

He says he feels good after an injury-free season and believes he can contribute across the front line.

He spoke of joy and pride at a first in Ivorian history, crediting the whole group and staff. Next comes France or Norway, and he said the opponent matters little in knockout football, they will take it as it comes and try to win.

Source: L'Équipe