Côte d'Ivoire Women 0-0 Cabo Verde Women | International Friendly | 9 June 2026

The women’s national teams of Côte d'Ivoire and Cabo Verde played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested friendly at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. Both sides created chances but lacked the final touch in a match that served as valuable preparation for the upcoming WAFCON qualifying rounds.

Match Analysis

The Ivorian side, ranked higher in Africa, dominated possession throughout the first half. Winger Rebecca Yao and striker Niama Diallo both came close, forcing sharp saves from Cabo Verde goalkeeper Bebiana Fernandes. Cabo Verde grew into the game after the interval, with midfielder Jéssica Martins hitting the crossbar from a free kick. Despite both teams making multiple substitutions, neither could break the deadlock. The result extends Côte d'Ivoire’s unbeaten run in home friendlies to three matches, while Cabo Verde will take encouragement from a disciplined defensive performance against a higher‑ranked opponent.

Key Moments

• 28' – Diallo’s header from a corner is tipped over by Fernandes.
• 62' – Martins’ powerful free kick crashes against the crossbar.
• 79' – Ivorian substitute Akissi Koné fires wide from eight yards.

Tactical Overview

Côte d'Ivoire set up in a 4-3-3, looking to exploit wide areas through Yao and Marguerite Aby. Cabo Verde employed a conservative 4-5-1 shape that became a 4-4-2 when pressing. The visitors’ compact block forced the Ivorians to shoot from distance, where they lacked accuracy. Set pieces offered the best threat for both sides, but final‑third decision‑making let them down.

Player Focus

• Bebiana Fernandes (Cabo Verde) – The goalkeeper made five saves to earn her clean sheet.
• Rebecca Yao (Côte d'Ivoire) – The most dangerous attacking player on the pitch, completing four dribbles.
• Jéssica Martins (Cabo Verde) – A creative outlet in midfield who nearly scored from a dead ball.

Both coaching staffs will view the fixture as a useful test. Côte d'Ivoire’s lack of cutting edge will be a concern, while Cabo Verde will aim to build on a solid defensive foundation as they prepare for competitive matches later in the year.