Former Manchester City midfielder Yahya Toure has removed Ghana from his list of candidates for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
Despite being placed in the same group as Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique, Toure believes other countries are strong contenders for the tournament.
Touré, who won the 2015 AFCON, has named Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and South Africa as favorites for the tournament, along with his native Morocco.
Speaking to Afriqué Sport, Touré explained: Ivory Coast has a strong team and a lot of talented and experienced players.
” But if I had to pick a team that I think is my favorite, I would say Senegal, Morocco, Guinea-Bissau and South Africa.
In contrast, Ghanaian coach Chris Hughton has a different perspective.
Hughton believes the Black Stars are one of the favorites to win AFCON, and has mentioned Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal and Algeria as other potential candidates in previous interviews.
Hughton has already announced his provisional 55-man squad for AFCON, with Ghana Premier League players dominating the list.
The final team will be reduced to 27 players before the tournament begins.
Appointed ambassador of the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football on June 30, Yaya Touré, assistant coach of Saudi Arabia, spoke to Forbes Afrique. He took the opportunity to discuss the objectives and ambitions behind this appointment, as well as the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
Winner of the 2015 African Cup of Nations and four-time winner of the African Golden Ball, Yaya Touré is one of the Ivorian legends. To thank him, Idriss Diallo, President of the FIF, saw fit to appoint him as an ambassador.
It’s an honor for him to be with the younger players, helping them to overcome the pressure.
“It’s an honor and a sign of great consideration to be called by FIF to represent my country as an ambassador for the CAN 2024.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to put my knowledge to good use and share my experience with younger players. (…) My role is to support the Elephants.
As a former captain of the national team, I fully understand the pressure the players may be under, and I’ll have to find the right words, while sharing my experience with them. (…) As an ambassador, my mission will be to represent the values of excellence and hospitality that characterize Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.
If Yaya Touré has accepted this ambassadorial role, it’s because he wants to share values and participate in the development of soccer in Africa, especially in Côte d’Ivoire.
First and foremost, however, he will be at the service of FIF and COCAN to ensure the success of the event. “My ambition is based on several axes.
Firstly, to capitalize on this role to catalyze the development of soccer in Africa in general and in Côte d’Ivoire in particular.
By sharing my experience, I’d like to inspire the new generation of sporting talent and help them reach their full potential. Secondly, I’d like to help improve Côte d’Ivoire’s image on the international stage.
As an ambassador, I will promote our country’s values of excellence and hospitality, and work closely with FIF and COCAN to ensure the success of this major event.
My ultimate goal is for this CAN to be not only a sporting success, but also a showcase for the possibilities and bright future of Côte d’Ivoire and African soccer”, he continued.
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