Elye Wahi, the Nice striker, doubled the lead in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 win over Gambia in Bouaké. With 6 goals in Ligue 1 this season, he is confirming his fine form.
Twenty-four minutes played, and the ball in the net. Against Gambia, Elye Wahi doubled the lead for Ivory Coast, who won 2-1 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, according to Xinhua. The international striker adds this goal to an already productive start to the season with OGC Nice.
For the Nice striker is among the top scorers in Ligue 1 this season. His tally places him behind Sinayoko, who has 9 goals, and level with Cameron Archer. His output in front of goal is now catching the eye of the Ivory Coast head coach.
A three-goal first half
The course of the match was settled before the break. Malick Yalcouyé, the Ivory Coast midfielder, opened the scoring in the 17th minute, before Wahi extended the lead seven minutes later, in the 24th. All three goals in the game were scored in the first half: Musa Barrow, the Gambia striker, pulled one back in the 38th, again according to Xinhua.
The win gives Ivory Coast a third victory in three matches and 9 points, top of Group C ahead of Gambia (6) and Ghana (3).
Six goals and telling xG
Wahi’s numbers in Ligue 1 confirm his success in front of goal. According to Ligue1.com, the Nice striker has 6 goals, level with Cameron Archer, behind Sinayoko (9) and Gouiri and Lepaul (7).
More telling still, he sits second in the league for xG with 6.32, just behind Sinayoko (6.99). xG (expected goals) measures the quality of goalscoring chances. With 6 goals from 6.32 xG, Wahi is converting at a rate close to what his chances suggest he should, and he is generating one of the highest volumes of chances in the French top flight.
A return trip to Gambia to come
The Ivorians are straight back into action: the reverse fixture against Gambia is scheduled for Tuesday 17 November, in Gambia, according to Xinhua. Wahi will have the chance to score again there, for his national team.
The day before, on 16 November, Somalia will host Ghana.