The Côte d’Ivoire national team beat Saudi Arabia 3-1 in an international friendly held this Friday, November 14, 2025, at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, in Jeddah. The game, part of the preparation for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 African Cup of Nations, highlighted the offensive strength of the Elephants, led by Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller. Saudi Arabia, led by Hervé Renard, had defensive difficulties and were unable to reverse the score. The match attracted thousands of fans and was broadcast live on STC TV.
The clash marked the first meeting between the two teams in history. Côte d’Ivoire, the current African champion, demonstrated tactical superiority, while the Falcões Verdes sought to organize themselves for the FIFA Arab Cup tournament. The friendly also served as a test for coaches to adjust their lineups.
- Goals for Côte d’Ivoire: Sébastien Haller, Franck Kessié and Amad Diallo.
- Saudi Arabia goal: Firas Al-Buraikan.
- Estimated audience: 25 thousand fans.
- Highlight: Kessié, with a goal and an assist.
The arbitration was conducted by a FIFA trio, without serious incidents. The game had moments of intensity, but remained under control, with few fouls.
Preparation for major tournaments
Côte d’Ivoire used the friendly to adjust its squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations, where it will face Cameroon, Mozambique and Gabon in Group F. The team maintains aunbeaten run of six games, with strong defensive performance, conceding just two goals in the last ten games.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is looking for consistency after mixed results in 2025. The team, which secured a place in the 2026 World Cup, has won just four of its last ten games, which worries coach Hervé Renard.
Performance on the field
Côte d’Ivoire dominated possession, with 58%, and finished 12 times, compared to seven from Saudi Arabia. The first goal came in the 18th minute, with Haller taking advantage of Diallo’s cross. Kessié expanded in the second half, and Diallo closed the scoring.
Al-Buraikan scored for the Saudis in an individual play. The home defense, however, failed at crucial moments, allowing counterattacks from the visitors.
Coach Emerse Faé praised his players’ tactical discipline. Renard highlighted the need for defensive adjustments before the next friendly against Algeria.
Individual Highlights
Sébastien Haller was a key player, scoring and participating in the playsoffensive. Franck Kessié, captain of the Elephants, controlled the midfield and dictated the pace of the game.
For Saudi Arabia, Firas Al-Buraikan showed opportunism, but the lack of offensive support limited the team’s chances. Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Saudi goalkeeper, made three important saves.
Salem Al-Dawsari, despite being active, was unable to repeat the brilliance of previous games. Amad Diallo, a young talent from Côte d’Ivoire, impressed with his speed.
Context of the confrontation
The friendly reflects the growing competitiveness of African and Asian teams on the global stage. Côte d’Ivoire, 42nd in the FIFA rankings, surpasses Saudi Arabia, 58th, and confirmed its favoritism based on betting odds (1.91 against 3.90).
The match also symbolizes the connection between the coaches: Hervé Renard has led the Elephants in the past, which added a strategic element to the duel.
Upcoming appointments
Côte d’Ivoire will face Oman on November 18, in another preparatory friendly. Saudi Arabia will have Algeria as its opponent, aiming for recovery before the FIFA Arab Cup.
Both teams plan new tests in 2026, with a focus on the World Cup. The inaugural rivalry could open doors for future clashes.
Tactical importance
The game exposed Saudi Arabia’s defensive weaknesses, which need to reinforce its line of defenders. Côte d’Ivoire, in turn, consolidatedor its 4-4-2 formation, effective in quick transitions.
The friendly also served to evaluate young talents, such as Yahia Diomande, from Côte d’Ivoire, and Sami Mandash, from Saudi Arabia. The exchange of experiences between continents enriches the preparation of both teams.
