Ivorians dream bigger following Cote d’Ivoire’s maiden qualification to World Cup knockout stage

ABIDJAN, June 26– Ivorians erupted in celebration across Abidjan on Thursday night after Cote d’Ivoire reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.

At Philadelphia Stadium in the United States, Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curacao as the Elephants secured second place in Group E behind Germany and advanced to the round of 32.

The achievement, coming in the country’s fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, sparked jubilant celebrations in several neighborhoods across Abidjan. In Yopougon, fireworks, vuvuzelas, car horns and motorcycle stunts filled the streets as groups of enthusiastic young fans celebrated late into the night.