Cote d’Ivoire take commanding lead over DR Congo in Olympic qualifying

Cote d’Ivoire moved a step closer to the next stage of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification process with a 4-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday, 9 October 2026.

The Elephantes secured the win in the first leg of the second-round tie at Stade TP Mazembe, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return match.

Their three-goal advantage means Cote d’Ivoire will start the second leg with a significant lead, although they must still complete the job to continue their bid for Olympic qualification.

The return fixture will be played on Tuesday, 13 October, at 19:00 at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo now face the task of overturning the deficit if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.