Cote d’Ivoire made an impressive start in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers by defeating Zambia’s Chipolopolo 2-0 on Friday night.

Substitute Jean Philippe Krasso scored two late goals to secure the win for the African champions at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. As a result, they go top of Group G ahead of Tuesday’s second matches.

After a goalless first half, Jean-Philippe Krasso broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute and added his second goal 11 minutes later.

The result gives Cote d’Ivoire a strong start as they seek to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Zambia: J. Krasso (73′, 84′)

In an earlier Group G match, Sierra Leone and Les Sao of Chad played to a goalless draw at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad

On matchday two, Sierra Leone will face Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, while Chad will host defending champions Ivory Coast. Both matches will take place on Tuesday.