Yan Diomande Shines at Real Madrid, but the Goals Still Won't Come for Ivory Coast
Yan Diomande once again played an important role for Ivory Coast, but his wait for a first goal in the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers continues. The Real Madrid attacker, who has scored three times in LaLiga, provided an assist and missed a clear chance in the Elephants' 2-1 victory over Gambia.
Ivory Coast have made a perfect start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, although one of their most dangerous attacking players is still waiting to get on the scoresheet.
Yan Diomande has yet to score in qualifying, despite regularly creating problems for opposing defenses.
Against Gambia, he was involved in one of the decisive moments of the match. After Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Diomande set up Elye Wahi for Ivory Coast's second goal in the 24th.
But the attacker also had a golden opportunity to score himself.
Diomande found himself one-on-one with the Gambian goalkeeper, with a chance to make it 3-1. He could not take advantage, however, as the keeper stretched out a foot to turn his effort away.
It was another frustrating moment in front of goal for a player who has otherwise been a constant threat.
Three LaLiga Goals, but Still Waiting for His First in Qualifying
Diomande's struggles to find the net for his country stand in contrast to his form at club level.
The Real Madrid forward has already scored three goals in LaLiga, yet he remains without a goal in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.
He played the full 90 minutes against both Ghana and Somalia without scoring, and the match against Gambia brought another missed opportunity.
Still, his contribution has gone beyond goals. His pace, movement and ability to create chances have made him an important part of Ivory Coast's attack.
His assist for Wahi was another example of that influence, even if the finish he has been searching for continues to elude him.
Ivory Coast Make It Three Wins From Three
While Diomande continues to chase his first qualifying goal, Ivory Coast have had no trouble collecting victories.
The Elephants defeated Gambia 2-1, with Yalcouyé scoring in the 17th minute and Wahi doubling the lead seven minutes later.
Musa Barrow pulled one back for Gambia in the 38th minute, but Ivory Coast held on to secure another win.
The result leaves the Elephants with three victories from their first three matches in the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers.
Three Moments That Defined Diomande's Performance
- The assist: Diomande set up Elye Wahi for Ivory Coast's second goal.
- The missed chance: a clear one-on-one opportunity ended with the Gambian goalkeeper saving his effort with a foot.
- The unfinished business: despite scoring three times for Real Madrid in LaLiga, Diomande is still looking for his first goal of the qualifying campaign.
