The Ivory Coast Elephants have just hung the third African star on their jersey. They won (2-1) with difficulty against a valiant Nigerian team, led by the African Golden Ball Victor Osimhen. A journey made of suspense, tears and joy. Don’t they say that the end of a thing is better than its beginning?
A team on the brink
Indeed, everything started timidly for the Ivorian selection, on January 13, 2024 during the opening match of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023). A close victory against Guinea Bissau 2 – 0. Despite the individual qualities of the Ivorian players, the collective game leaves something to be desired. The two goals were achieved by the big individuals of Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso. The 2nd group match against Nigeria sounds like a wake-up call. Ivory Coast lost by the smallest margin of the score 1 – 0. The 3rd match of the Elephants highlights a team in dire straits. Equatorial Guinea gives a nice correction with a score of 4 – 0.
Jean-Louis Gasset, the man to be killed
The trial is final. In the process, French coach Jean-Louis Gasset submits his letter of resignation. It will be a long evening for the Elephants. They will witness several acts of vandalism outside the stadium. Supporters have difficulty digesting this humiliation in the stadium bearing the name of the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara. The fire is burning social networks. In addition to Jean-Louis Gasset, the head of Idriss Yassine Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) is claimed. After naming Fae Emerse as interim coach, rumors are circulating about an interest in bringing back Hervé Renard for two weeks. The idea appeals to the person concerned. But the French Football Federation (FFF) asserts its right of veto.
Morocco, the Holy Savior
There’s a commotion in the Ivorian den. We no longer know which saint to turn to. Except Morocco. If the Atlas Lions win, Ivory Coast can dream of a place in the round of 16. It’s done ! Hope is reborn, like the Phoenix rising from its ashes. But on the other hand, a big equation to solve: Senegal, reigning champion, who has won all of its group matches. Come what may. “ The dead goat is not afraid of a knife », says an Ivorian adage. It’s the match of redemption and forgiveness, say the players pumped up with a new state of mind. A new lease of life breathed in by interim coach Fae Emerse, a former Ivorian international. He tells anyone who will listen: he has known his players for two years. He knows everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. Among his forces, Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra, back from injury.
Sébastien Haller, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire striker, celebrating his goal against the DRC in the semi-final. Photo credit: Yankiné Seydou
The rise in power
These two will be decisive first against the Lions of Teranga of Senegal. In the quarter-final, the Eagles of Mali will suffer the torments of Simon Adingra in attack for the equalizer 1 – 1. In the last seconds of overtime, Oumar Diakité will sting the Malian defense with a deflection beyond the reach of goalkeeper Djigui Diarra . In the semi-final against the Leopards of the DRC, Sébastien Haller scored the winning goal with a spectacular gesture in the 65th minute. This Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Elephants bring smiles back to the Ivorians in the legendary stadium where they suffered the worst humiliation against Equatorial Guinea.
The Ivorian comeback
This Ivorian-style “remontada” teaches several life lessons. First, you can stumble at the start of the race. But with a brave heart nothing is impossible. You can get there with hard work, patience and perseverance. Then, you have to seize the rare opportunities that present themselves in life, and especially at the right time.
Furthermore, the Elephant Remontada teaches us the power of humility. The team questioned itself. She recognized her own limitations and set to work to learn from her mistakes, while respecting her opponents. This state of mind has restored confidence to both old and new players in the Ivorian selection.
Finally, we noted a renewed support from the Ivorian public. Spectators at the start, the supporters transformed into the “12th man” in the stadium. The stands are full to the brim and pumped up to make their voices heard. The “hammer blow” tube of the musician Tamsir turned out to be a prophecy. In each match, the Elephants knock out their various opponents with ‘hammer blows’, before celebrating the victory, in this intermittent rhythm. Bravo to the Elephants of Ivory Coast!
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