Ivory Coast : Sebastien Haller’s truths before AFCON 2024

Sébastien Haller has spoken about the upcoming AFCON 2024, which will take place in his home country, Ivory Coast. The Ivorian striker is aware of the challenges that await him and his teammates.

Despite the recent injury to the Ivorian national team’s striker, which raised concerns among supporters, he currently seems to be leaving a positive impression. The Ivorian player had been surrounded by rumors about his health until now. His coach tempered expectations in that regard.

Providing an update on the situation of Borussia Dortmund’s star, Jean-Louis Gasset shared details about the recovery of his striker, as well as Simon Adingra. “Haller and Adingra are doing well. Their recovery is expected by the end of the first day of the CAN. We are progressing well, and we will conduct examinations upon our return to Abidjan on Sunday. I think from there, they will be able to resume group training,” he indicated, according to Mondial Sports.

Sebastien Haller is aware of the stakes

In an interview relayed by the L-frii website, the player discussed the upcoming competition with a lot of perspective. “We don’t realize the enthusiasm in the country. When you arrive, you feel that this country breathes football. People live for football; it’s their life. We are fortunate to have a CAN at home, a strong team, and excellent facilities, so we cannot play poorly. Being eliminated quickly would be unacceptable; it would be professional misconduct,” he asserted.

The Dortmund player also shared his perspective on the fans: “Ivorians love to debate, joke. We enjoy it because they are in the stands, creating an atmosphere, shouting, singing, cheering us on. It’s a unique atmosphere, an ambiance that you don’t find in Europe,” he added.

Sebastien Haller and his teammates will have the opportunity to win the CAN in their own country. He also emphasized his pride in representing Ivory Coast. “Being part of the national team is a bonus because it’s not like in the club where you can change every 6 months or every year. A national team represents and must be present at every moment throughout our careers. It’s a bonus because we represent a lot of people, and naturally, it’s a pride to be there at every rendezvous…,” he stated.

Sebastien Haller, spearheading a formidable Ivorian attack

Ivorian attackers seem ready to set the stadiums of Ivory Coast on fire. In the last three matches of the AFCON 2024 qualifiers, the Ivorian attack shook the nets 16 times. In the match against Seychelles on November 17th, the Ivorians scored 9 goals, including a brace from Karim Konaté and two decisive assists.

Jean-Louis Gasset’s men’s victory did not surprise African football enthusiasts since Seychelles have only won two matches since 2019. Three days later, on November 20th, they continued their winning streak by defeating Gambia (2-0) in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In preparation for the CAN, Jérémie Boga and his teammates delivered a thrashing to Kenya (5-1) on January 6th. These were their 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th goals in just three matches.

The Ivory Coast Elephants will start the AFCON 2024 on January 13th against Guinea-Bissau at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, followed by matches against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Haller’s participation in the first match is uncertain, but he should likely be available for the second encounter.