Vakoun Bayo got his first taste of international football for six years but he was unable to save Ivory Coast from a surprise 1-0 defeat in Zambia in their penultimate Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Watford forward, who was rewarded with a call-up after scoring five goals in his last three Hornets appearances, came off the bench with 23 minutes remaining but he could not help his country find an equaliser after Kennedy Musonda scored what proved to be the winner two minutes before half-time.
The defeat means the Elephants drop to second in Group G behind Zambia, but both nations are through to next year’s finals in Morocco.
Ryan Andrews helped set up a goal as England Under-20s thumped Germany 4-0 in their Euro Elite League fixture in Chesterfield.
After Millwall’s Romain Esse had given the hosts the lead, the advantage was doubled when the Watford defender was freed down the right and his cut back found Sheffield United’s Sydie Peck whose shot deflected onto Max Dean, who plays for Gent, and into the net.
Andrews was replaced after 82 minutes as further goals from Peck and Tottenham’s Will Lankshear completed the victory.
Mamadou Doumbia is also set to be at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals after Mali secured their qualification with a 1-0 victory in Mozambique.
The Hornets youngster had to settle for a place on the bench as Kamory Doumbia netted the decisive goal after 19 minutes to ensure Mali finish top of Group I.
Francisco Sierralta was an unused substitute as Chile drew 0-0 in Peru in their World Cup qualifier.
The draw means Chile remain bottom of the South American qualifying table, with just one win from their 11 matches.
Ryan Porteous was another unused replacement as Scotland ended their winless run with a 1-0 victory over Croatia at Hampden Park in the Nations League.
Steve Clarke’s side went into the game without a win in their ten previous game but after Petar Sucic was sent off for a second yellow card two minutes before the break, John McGinn made the host’s numerical advantage count four minutes from the end of normal time.
The victory gives Scotland hope of retaining their Nations League A group status, with a relegation play-off to look forward to if they win in Poland on Monday.
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