Newcastle United winger Bazoumana Touré made a decisive contribution from the bench as Ivory Coast left it late to beat Somalia 2-0 on Tuesday.
The summer signing helped create the breakthrough before adding a stoppage-time goal to secure another Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory.
His contribution provides encouragement for Matthias Jaissle, who has been carefully managing the winger’s introduction to English football.
Bazoumana Touré helps break Somalia resistance
Touré replaced Nicolas Pépé in the 65th minute, with Ivory Coast still searching for a way through.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute.
According to The Mag’s account of the match, Touré worked space down the right before his blocked cross fell for Yann Gboho to score.
The Newcastle winger then reacted to a shot coming back off the post and finished the rebound to settle the contest.
L’Équipe’s match record confirms his goal arrived in the fifth minute of added time, completing a productive substitute appearance.
Newcastle receive encouragement over summer signing
Jaissle recently explained that Touré and Aladji Bamba are still adapting to the Premier League’s demands.
Tuesday’s performance offers Touré something positive to build on during that adjustment.
He entered a goalless match and contributed to both scoring moves, showing how he can influence a contest without starting it.
That does not guarantee a change in Newcastle’s selection when club football resumes. It does, however, give the winger a useful confidence boost ahead of the trip to Coventry City on 12 October.
