Scotland suffer second straight defeat as Nicolas Pepe seals Ivory Coast friendly win

Scotland were defeated 1-0 by Ivory Coast in an international friendly match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday.

Ryan Christie had the first chance, calling goalkeeper Alban Lafont into action from a rebound.

Ivory Coast opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Elye Wahi’s shot came back off the post, and former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe reacted quickly to score from close range.

Wahi came close to doubling the Elephants’ lead, but his effort landed on the roof of the net.

Scotland responded swiftly at the other end, with Lafont parrying Scott McTominay’s 20-yard strike away.

The second half started frenetically, but neither side created a genuine opportunity until Che Adams headed a cross straight into Lafont.

Christ Inao squandered a big chance to double Ivory Coast’s lead, heading over from a very promising position.

George Hirst came close to drawing Scotland level, meeting John McGinn’s corner with a clever flick, but his effort was kept out.

Goalkeeper Scott Bain denied Manchester United’s Amad Diallo a second goal for Ivory Coast, while Simon Adingra struck the woodwork before full-time.

Scotland face Curacao in another friendly on May 30, before taking on Haiti in their World Cup opening match on June 14.