Ivory Coast secured a commanding 4-0 friendly win over South Korea national football team in Milton Keynes, marking their first match since being eliminated in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in January.

The opening chances of the game went to the Taegeuk Warriors, with Hee-Chan Hwang firing narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the box after 12 minutes. Seven minutes later, Hyeon Gyu Oh came close again, striking the inside of the post with a right-footed effort.

Despite those early opportunities, South Korea failed to make the breakthrough and were punished shortly after the half-hour mark. Martial Godo played in Evann Guessand, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from a tight angle to give Ivory Coast the lead.

Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo was soon called into action to deny a powerful header from Emmanuel Agbadou, while the woodwork again came to South Korea’s rescue when it prevented Seol Young-woo from scoring.

However, the missed chances proved costly, as Ivory Coast doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Simon Adingra created space by turning past a defender before firing a strong shot into the bottom corner, sending Les Éléphants into the break with a comfortable lead.

Jean Michael Seri came close early in the second half, curling a shot from outside the box just wide as Emerse Fae’s side looked to extend their lead.

The third goal arrived shortly after the hour mark, with Jo Hyeon-woo left exposed by defensive lapses. Evann Guessand saw his effort saved, but Martial Godo reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

South Korea were then denied by the woodwork for a third time when substitute Lee Kang-in struck the foot of the post with his attempt.

Ivory Coast added a fourth goal with virtually the last action of the match, as substitute Wilfried Singo finished neatly with a side-footed effort. The scoreline may have been harsh on the Tigers, but it sealed a dominant performance for the African side.

The result ended South Korea’s three-match winning streak without conceding, while Ivory Coast claimed a confidence-boosting victory.