Not qualified for the World Cup, the Ivorians turn to other nations for the World Cup 2022. And for them, the African favorites are clearly identified.
The streets of Abidjan do not yet feel the excitement of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which begins on Sunday, November 20, 2022. Nevertheless, soccer fans hardly ever balk when it comes to giving their predictions. Absent from the World Cup, the Ivory Coast can console itself with the other African nations present at the great festival of soccer.
The Ivorian star Didier Drogba gave the tone about his favorite for the banquet of Doha 2022. For the Ivorian, there is no doubt, the Lions of Teranga are the best horse.
"My favorite for the World Cup? Senegal"
he says. The former captain of the Elephants believe that the team of Aliou Cissé clearly has all the weapons to go to the end. Like him, several Ivorians are speaking out.
"For me, there is no doubt. It is Senegal. They are the defending African champions. Who better to represent the continent? It is true that there are fears about Sadio Mané (definitely forfeited) but the Lions have the chest and the staff to go far, "
said Diabaté Abdoulaye, president of the club Lanfiara Attecoubé (League 2, Côte d'Ivoire) and chairman of the local organizing committee of the CAF School Championship in Abidjan from 11 to 13 November 2022.
Morocco, Tunisia and Ghana expected
It is not only Senegal that is expected particularly by the Ivorians. Other nations are especially those of North Africa including Morocco. "Honestly, I bet on the North African teams, especially Morocco. They do not have the inferiority complex against Europeans or South Americans. Better still, they have colossal resources. In addition, the Moroccan staff is well-filled. Tunisia's is less so, but I put them ahead of Senegal," said Kandia Traore, former Le Havre (France).
Like him, the journalist emeritus of the national radio of Côte d'Ivoire Rash N'Guessan sees other nations than Senegal. "I see Morocco and Ghana. Morocco for its organization and the quality of its workforce. Ghana because it is the last African team to have played in the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2022, "said the media man.
