Dominant Ivory Coast Overpower South Korea in Uneven Friendly Encounter

The opening significant opportunity went to the Taegeuk Warriors as Hee-Chan Hwang's attempt from the penalty area edge sailed above the crossbar in the 12th minute. Seven minutes on, Hyeon Gyu-Oh hit the post's interior with a right-footed strike.

South Korea failed to make the most of those initial openings and trailed shortly past the 30-minute point, with Martial Godo setting up Evann Guessand to slot home from a tight angle into the lower corner.

Jo Hyeon-Woo needed to stay sharp right away to block Emmanuel Agbadou's forceful header, and the goal frame that stopped Oh before also repelled Seol Young-Woo.

This proved costly for Hong Myung-Bo's team, as during added time in the first half, Simon Adingra spun away from a marker and blasted a strong drive into the bottom corner, giving Les Elephants a two-goal cushion at halftime.

Early in the second period, Jean Michael Seri bent a shot from distance just astray as Emerse Fae's squad aimed to extend their lead.

The third strike arrived soon after the 60th minute, with Jo exposed by loose defence ahead of him, letting Godo tap in from the rebound following a solid save on Guessand by the South Korean keeper.

Remarkably, the goal structure blocked South Korea once more, with replacement Lee Kang-In's shot rebounding from the base of the upright.

The Africans' fourth goal might have been a touch severe on the Tigers, yet it arrived on the final play via substitute Wilfried Singo's volleyed effort.

This suddenly halted South Korea's run of three straight victories without leaking goals, as Ivory Coast claimed an uplifting triumph.