ABIDJAN – The Ivory Coast national football team, buoyed by a resurgence of confidence, is set to face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the semifinals of the 34th African Cup of Nations (CAN) at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Ebimpé, Abidjan. This crucial match promises to be a pivotal moment for the host country as it seeks to secure a spot in the tournament’s final.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the coach of the Ivory Coast Elephants, the team has faced challenges in their recent matches, particularly in overcoming early goals by their opponents. “Facing the DRC, we will benefit from the confidence,” Faé stated during a press conference on Tuesday. He emphasized the positive mindset of the team and the importance of unity, drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s cohesive team dynamics.
Faé acknowledged the impact of strategic changes and player contributions in past games, highlighting the goal of achieving a third championship title for Ivory Coast, following their successes in 1992 and 2015. The Elephants aim to continue their legacy in this tournament, especially after narrowly avoiding elimination in the earlier stages of CAN2023.
On the other side, the DRC team, under coach Sébastien Desabre, remains composed and ready for the challenge. Desabre described the upcoming match as highly competitive, with both teams eager to advance. The Leopards, seeking their third title after victories in 1968 and 1974, are prepared to face their formidable opponents.
This semifinal encounter is part of a broader competition that saw Ivory Coast and DRC striving for dominance in a historical context marked by close matches, including two victories for Ivory Coast, as many draws, and one defeat. The CAN2023, which commenced on January 13, 2024, is set to conclude on February 11, with the remaining teams vying for the prestigious title.