Marseille (dpa) – Soccer world champion France started the World Cup year with a late victory. In the friendly against Ivory Coast, the hosts won 2-1 (1-1) in Marseille after Aurélien Tchouaméni scored with a last-minute header.
Nicolas Pepé put the Africans ahead in the 19th minute when he passed Bayern defender Lucas Hernandez and got past Hugo Lloris in the French goal. Just three minutes later, veteran striker Olivier Giroud headed the equalizer for the hosts.
RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku had a number of chances to decide the game prematurely for his team on his debut for France’s selection. After 75 minutes, the 24-year-old had to make room for Wissam Ben Yedder. Overall, France struggled in attack after the break until AS Monaco midfielder Tchouameni struck in injury time.
The evening of the international match also went well for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland. The 21-year-old scored the lead in the 77th minute when his Norwegians made it 2-0 (0-0) against Slovakia. Haaland left the pitch four minutes later after Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard made it 2-0. The Norwegians missed the World Cup in Qatar.