Ahead of the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, focus on Côte d'Ivoire's strong men in what has been described as a "miraculous" tournament for the host nation. Evan Ndicka and Seko Fofana stand out among the players, and coach Emerse Faé is obviously the third strong link. Three elements that will be decisive in the semi-final against DR Congo on Wednesday February 07.
Evan Ndicka, Minister of Defense
Côte d'Ivoire has qualified for the semi-finals of AFCON 2023. This after a chaotic first round, including a crushing 0-4 defeat by Equatorial Guinea. The Elephants' turnaround was made possible by a huge combination of circumstances, but also by their key players. Evan Ndicka is one of them. Since the start of the AFCON 2023, the AS Roma player hasn't missed a beat. The 24-year-old defender has played in all 5 of the Elephants' games at the tournament. His consistency is due in no small part to his qualities. Solid in duels and good at restarting play, he is undoubtedly the Elephants' defensive leader.
Seko Fofana, the lungs
The midfield stalwart.Author of the first goal of this AFCON 2023, Seko Fofana got the competition off to a flying start. However, like Côte d'Ivoire's collective, he faltered somewhat in the next two games, against Nigeria (0-1) and Equatorial Guinea (0-4). It should be pointed out, however, that the former Lens player was not helped by his lack of complementarity with Kessié and Sangaré. Things changed in the Round of 16, however, with the No.6 shining brightly against Senegal, almost single-handedly swallowing up the Senegalese midfield. Fofana was also responsible for the winning goal against Mali in the 122nd minute. His left-footed shot was deflected into the net by Oumar Diakité. If the Elephants are to lift the trophy, they will obviously need a great Seko.
Emerse Faé, the guide An assistant at the start of the competition, Emerse Faé came to the fore after the 0-4 debacle against Equatorial Guinea. With Gasset out of the way, the former Ivorian international was brought in, only to be confirmed after the failure of Hervé Renard's attempt. An episode that did nothing to shake the Elephant. Better still, it only strengthened him. In his first match as Côte d'Ivoire coach, the former Nice player faced Senegal, African champions in 2022 and overwhelming favourites. Faé made some strong choices.Firstly, in defence, Diomandéa made way for Kossounou, who was unstoppable. Then, in midfield, the Kessié-Fofana-Sangaré trio left the field, as they didn't complement each other well enough. Jean-Michael Seri took Kessié's place and dominated the match, collecting balls and organizing his team's play.
Emerse Faé also demonstrates what a coach needs: flair. The three goals scored by Côte d'Ivoire in the eighth and quarter-finals were all scored by players who came on as substitutes (Kessié, Adingra, Diakité). Faé knows how to read games and make the right choices.
Wow, Simon Adingra! 🤩
He won the #MoveOfTheDay on his own way. 💥#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @RexonaNG pic.twitter.com/TP857vhjsY
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 4, 2024
