We dissect what the French media made of Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike's performances as the Liverpool stars featured in Les Bleus' final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan
France's forward #09 Hugo Ekitike in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Azerbaijan and France at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on November 16, 2025.
Hugo Ekitike's recent performance for France was criticised by the press
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Liverpool duo Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate both played the full 90 minutes of France’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday night. Having already clinched qualification for next summer’s tournament earlier in the week with a thumping 4-0 victory over Ukraine, the fixture in Baku presented manager Didier Deschamps with the opportunity to tinker his squad and experiment with a revamped XI.
Ekitike, who scored from a fantastic solo effort in the previous outing, started out on the left, with Jean-Philippe Mateta instead leading the line, before returning to his usual position late on after the Crystal Palace man was replaced by Bradley Barcola.
What was expected to be a straightforward victory for Les Bleus took a surprise turn early on as Azerbaijan took the lead in the fourth minute, capitalising on some slack marking. After riding out a 16-minute storm in Baku, France equalised thanks to a Mateta header, before Maghnes Akliouche made it 2-1 on his France debut.
An own goal made it 3-1 to France as the 2022 World Cup finalists saw out an uneventful second half and ended their last game of the year with all three points, topping their group comfortably after six matches.
And with Konate captaining France in Kylian Mbappe’s absence, we now take a look at how the Reds duo performed on the night.
Le Parisien handed Ekitike a lowly match rating of 4/10. They wrote: “Three days after his sensational debut against Ukraine, the Liverpool striker was far less convincing. On the left wing, he struggled to get into shooting positions and didn't connect well with his strike partner, Mateta. His tireless work rate, however, will be remembered.”
Xeyal Aliyev of Azerbaijan in action against Ibrahima Konate of France during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers match between Azerbaijan and France on November 16, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Ibrahima Konate captained France to a victory(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Konate didn’t do much better in their eyes, receiving a 5/10: “After a difficult start to the match, the captain for the day regained control after France's equaliser. He then imposed his athletic presence, using his height to his advantage in aerial duels.”
Ekitike had a shot blocked in the 33rd minute and missed a chance in the 71st, where he failed to capitalise after being found with a low cross. Le Figaro described the £79million summer signing as having an “off night”.
Le Monde agreed, saying Mateta and Ekitike got in each other’s way. Ekitike was also responsible for Khephren Thuram’s first-half goal being chalked off following a brief VAR check, having touched the ball with his hand in the build up.
Azerbaijan's defender #14 Elvin Badalov, France's forward #09 Hugo Ekitike and France's forward #19 Jean-Philippe Mateta vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Azerbaijan and France at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on November 16, 2025.
Ekitike and Mateta got in each other's way(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Yahoo Sport’s French football coverage was more generous with its assessment of Konate’s performance, awarding him a 7/10 while saying: “Despite not having a particularly good season for Liverpool, the big defender looked calm and assured at the back.”
That generosity didn’t extend to the Liverpool frontman, however, as they added: “Hugo Ekitike 5/10. The Liverpool forward has been excellent so far for his new team but he seemed all at sea at times. Seems to be better when leading the line.”
Eurosport France noted the striker’s strong display against Ukraine but pointed out that he faded in Baku, dishing out a 4/10 rating. They wrote: “He brought a vibrant energy and burning desire to the Parc des Princes on Thursday. This Sunday, he lacked precision and sometimes quickness.
Azerbaijan's Elvin Badalov, left, tries to stop France's Hugo Ekitike ads they challenge for the ball during the 2026 World Cup group D qualifying soccer match between Azerbaijan and France, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
The Reds striker had an "off night"
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“Significantly less effective, he squandered several opportunities, such as his completely botched shot when he was unmarked at the penalty spot (64th minute). Ultimately, he was most effective as a target man. But against such a weak opponent, the former Parisian needs to do better. In short... Dormant.”
Konate was given a 5/10 rating by the outlet: "His first fifteen minutes didn't help Les Bleus. Between misplaced passes and a lost duel on Azerbaijan's second chance (7th minute), he looked very nervous. But a powerful, energetic challenge sparked his game (13th minute). He was impenetrable thereafter. In short... A minor alert, nothing more.”
Le Quotidien du Sport added to the brutal pile on by also giving Ekitike a match rating of 5/10, claiming: “The Liverpool player moved around a lot, he did some good things, but wasn't successful. Neither in front of goal nor with his final pass.”