International Friendly: Mexico 4 Ivory Coast 1

The CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finalists scored three times in the first half to claim the impressive victory at the MetLife Stadium.

Jose Manuel de la Torre's men capitalised on two defensive mistakes by the Ivory Coast in the first half.

Arthur Boka scored an own goal and Oribe Peralta netted a brace before a much-improved Ivory Coast pulled a goal back through Didier Drogba on the hour mark.

Angel Reyna added to the scoreline with a late effort.

It was good preparation for Mexico, who face Honduras and the United States in vital World Cup qualifiers in September.

Mexico sit third in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying and can cement their spot in the top three with two wins.

After a strong start, they were handed the opener by the Ivory Coast in the 11th minute.

Boka gave Boubacar Barry no chance as he diverted a cross past his own goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

Peralta scored the first of his two goals on 28 minutes after a dreadful back pass from Jean-Jacques Gosso.

Gosso's pass lacked power and was well read by Peralta, whose first-time effort went into the roof of the net from just inside the area.

When he completed his brace in first-half added time, the result was decided.

After a neat team move, Giovani dos Santos crossed for Peralta to head in from close range and make it 3-0.

Drogba, who came on at half-time, pulled a goal back for the Ivory Coast on 62 minutes, sending Jose de Jesus Corona the wrong way from the penalty spot.

But Mexico sealed an impressive win in additional time as Reyna clinically finished into the bottom corner.

Latest in
Troy Deeney last played for Forest Green in 2023
Troy Deeney tipped for remarkable football return despite not playing since 2023
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Orlando Pride players raise the trophy during the NWSL Championship game between Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
How to watch NWSL: Live streams, TV information for National Women's Soccer League 2025
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
Premier League ball
Quiz! Can you name the players to have scored Premier League hat-tricks?
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur scores their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Tottenham and Manchester City could smash transfer record for British wonderkid: report
Latest in News
Troy Deeney last played for Forest Green in 2023
Troy Deeney tipped for remarkable football return despite not playing since 2023
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur scores their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Tottenham and Manchester City could smash transfer record for British wonderkid: report
Jude Bellingham signed terms with adidas in 2024
RANKED! The top 10 Adidas football athletes of 2025
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'