Countdown to TotalEnergies AFCON: Cote d'Ivoire aim to shine on home soil
- The Elephants are in Group A with Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea
- Cote d'Ivoire will be looking for a third continental trophy
- TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d'Ivoire 2023 begins on January 13
With just 24 days remaining until the kickoff of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations,Cote d'Ivoire 2023, the Elephants are poised to make their mark.
Placed in Group A alongside Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea, the two-time winners (1992 and 2015) are eager to rekindle the glory of their past triumphs.
The tournament, commencing on January 13, 2024, holds special significance for the Ivorians who are seeking their third continental trophy.
In front of their home crowd, the Elephants, led by players like Max-Alain Gradel, who may be making their final appearance for the Elephants, are determined to create lasting memories.
Cote d'Ivoire's Group A Matches:
- January 13, 2024: Cote d'Ivoire vs. Guinea-Bissau, 1900 GMT, Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe
- January 18, 2024: Cote d'Ivoire vs. Nigeria, 1600 GMT, Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe
- January 22, 2024: Equatorial Guinea vs. Cote d'Ivoire, 1600 GMT, Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé
Qualification Journey:
Cote d'Ivoire qualified direclty as the host country of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
Player to Watch: Sebastien Haller
Sebastien Haller, 29, symbolizes the hope of an entire nation. Overcoming testicular cancer in 2023, the Borussia Dortmund star showcased his prowess during the 2022/23 season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.
A versatile player, Haller, who played for the France youth national teams before switching allegiance, combines speed with a comprehensive playing style by demonstrating technical skill and the ability to vary his play.
Coach: Jean-Louis Gasset
Leading the Ivorian team since 2022, Jean-Louis Gasset, in his first international coaching role, brings a wealth of experience as Laurent Blanc's former assistant in the France national team (2010-2012).
A tactical enthusiast, Gasset adapts his team's system to counter opponents, employing various formations such as 4-1-4-1, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-4-2-1, 3-5-2, or 4-4-2.
Advocating possession play and pressing to regain the ball swiftly after a loss, the Frenchman aims to lead Ivorians to success.
Cote d'Ivoire's AFCON History
- 1965: Bronze medalist
- 1968: Bronze medalist
- 1986: Bronze medalist
- 1992: Winner
- 1994: Bronze medalist
- 2006: Finalist
- 2012: Finalist
- 2015: Winner