Debutant Doue edges Ivory Coast past Uruguay in friendly

Rennes defender Guela Doue scored on his international debut as the Ivory Coast beat Uruguay 2-1 in a friendly played in Lens on Tuesday.

The Elephants, African Cup of Nations champions earlier this year, led 1-0 after just nine minutes when Napoli defender Mathias Olivera scored an own goal in front of a quarter-full Stade Bollaert.

Uruguay equalised with 13 minutes to play as forward Federico Vinas opened his account for his country on his second appearance.

Doue, 21, then claimed the winner with six minutes to play from a Simon Adingra assist as the Ivory Coast ended their short tour of France with a win after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Benin in Amiens.

Le but sublime de Guela Doué qui offre à la Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮,une victoire de prestige contre l’Uruguay 🇺🇾 au Stade Félix Bollaert à Lens.pic.twitter.com/hG6CXumnS3

— Lassana Camara (@mauritaniefoot) March 26, 2024

The game ended on a sour note as Ivory Coast defender Odilon Kossounou and Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte were shown 97th minute yellow cards for unsportsmanlike conduct.