Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is just five goals away from surpassing Thierry Henry’s all-time record for France after scoring in the win over the Ivory Coast.
Giroud, who had not been called up since his country were knocked out in the last 16 of the European Championship last year, cancelled out Nicolas Pepe’s opener before Aurelie Tchouameni wrapped up the win in stoppage time.
The AC Milan forward, who rarely disappointed coach Didier Deschamps despite limited playing time when he was at Chelsea, was included in the squad following Karim Benzema’s injury.
Henry netted 51 times for Les Bleus.
Gunners forward Nicolas Pepe scored the opener for the African side, but Aurelien Tchouameni won it late on.
Monaco midfielder Tchouameni rose highest to power home a header from Matteo Guendouzi’s corner in the 93rd minute.
Giroud’s goal, meanwhile, was also the 19th consecutive game in which France had scored, netting 42 times in the process.
Didier Deschamps’ men host South Africa in a friendly on Tuesday, while Ivory Coast, who have failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, travel to play England at Wembley on the same day.
