A few hours before the kickoff of AFCON 2023, the coach of the Ivory Coast Elephants and Frank Kessié addressed the press. On the eve of the match against Guinea-Bissau, the midfielder from Al Hilal spoke to the Ivorians.
Here it is, the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is finally here. After months of waiting and preparation, the serious business will start this Saturday at 8:00 PM UTC at the Ebimpé stadium in Abidjan. As the host country of AFCON 2023, Ivory Coast will open against Guinea-Bissau in Group A. Before this crucial first match for the Elephants, who are the clear favorites according to Opta, Jean-Louis Gasset and his player Frank Kessié faced the press for the traditional pre-match press conference.
Kessié’s call to the Ivorians
After a very successful preparation, marked by a crushing victory against Sierra Leone, the Ivorian players are ready to step onto the field and start their competition in the best possible way. On a streak of 5 undefeated matches, including the last three convincingly won, Ivory Coast does not intend to hide. Speaking to the journalists, Frank Kessié first made an appeal to the population, emphasizing their crucial role if they are to go far in this AFCON 2023.
“We have the same objective, to lift the flag of the country very high. To the Ivorian supporters, we are on the same wavelength; we must be united for the flag, they must be the twelfth man, they must come out in large numbers to support us,” said the Al Hilal player in Saudi Arabia in statements relayed by Koaci.com.
“I am one of the captains”
Still, in the press conference, Frank Kessié clarified matters regarding the hierarchy of captains in the squad. “An AFCON at home means a lot. We have listened to the coach’s instructions. I am one of the captains. The first captain is Serge Aurier, the second is Max Gradel. We are ready to mark this experience, this AFCON at home. I feel good,” emphasized the former AC Milan player, who will continue with his personal mindset.
Ivory Coast is ready for AFCON 2023. For now, everything seems to be going well in Didier Drogba’s country on the organizational side, as positive testimonials continue to pour in about the quality of facilities, hospitality, and conviviality in the country.
Jean-Louis Gasset reassures
Now, it remains to be seen whether things will turn in the same direction for Sebastien Haller and his teammates. Speaking of the Borussia Dortmund striker, who recently made an important clarification, the French coach of Ivory Coast, Jean-Louis Gasset, wanted to reassure about his physical condition. “Everything is fine for Haller and Adingra (injured in December). We have undergone MRI scans. We will see the deadlines for both. All deadlines will be respected,” said Gasset before giving an update on the team’s preparation.
“All conditions are met. We spent a week of training in San-Pedro. For the last five days, we have been at our hotel in Abidjan. We are preparing well. I am discovering something new, an additional pressure, a desire to achieve the dream of an entire people. In any sport, it is an advantage to host. The question is how to handle the pressure.”
What is your prediction for the opening match of AFCON 2023?
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