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–Supporters pumped up behind their team at the start

-But confidence crumbled as the match progressed

-To fall into resignation at the final whistle

The Marcory allocodrome is a space set up on the main avenue of the town where the visitor will find around twenty restaurateurs on site who offer different dishes including alloco of course. These restaurants are surrounded by scrubland of around 100 m2 each and it was in one of them, Chez Fernand, that we followed the match on the second day of the CAN between Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

4:55 p.m.: the teams come out and the national anthems begin with that of Nigeria. It is total silence as required by the solemnity of the moment. At the start of the Abidjanaise, those present start up in chorus and end with thunderous applause. This is a sign that all support is committed to the cause of elephants. The latest arrivals rush to take their seats.

5:01 p.m.: the referee gives the kick-off. At this time, all comments are allowed. “We’re going to put Yoruba in sauce” “Guys eat them clean”. “Do you even know Seko?” »

5:07 p.m.: a combination between Serge Aurier and Boubacar Sangaré is narrowly blocked by the Nigerian defense. That was all it took to set the tone.

The face to face between Victor Osimhen and Youssouf Fofana is to the advantage of the Ivorian goalkeeper. On the restart Sangaré manages to find Christian Kouamé but the Nigerian goalkeeper puts the ball for a corner.

5:09 p.m.: Gislain Konan struggles to catch Chukwueze who ends up shooting at the goalkeeper’s right foot. This new incursion into the Ivorian camp angers people. Names of birds begin to come out: “Did he just take his attiéké or what? It’s heavy-heavy way.”

5:16 p.m.: Ndicka at the penalty point hits the goalkeeper while people were already standing shouting goal, goal, goal….

5:23 p.m.: Ivorian counter-attack quickly stopped by the opposing defense who quickly launches an attack and obtains a goal situation. Gislain Konan puts in a corner. The action was greeted with a standing ovation.

5:32 p.m.: Seko Fofana’s shot at the edge of the area is seen directly in the net. Goalkeeper Nwabali’s parade to push back earns him “Maudia”, you can’t let that go? » This is the most dangerous action before the break.

At halftime, we loosen ranks. It’s time for some to take a cigarette and for others to take a piss.

6:02 p.m.: both teams return to the pitch with the desire to fight

6:12 p.m.: corresponding to 55 minutes of play, Victor Osimhen is unbalanced in the Ivorian area. The referee is called to the VAR for a check. ” There is nothing “. “We didn’t even touch him.” His verdict falls following a few seconds: penalty. Troost-Ekong rushes and scores. Silence.

6:34 p.m.: Séko Fofana’s curling shot misses the goal. “It is only he who can save us.” As time ticks down, every touch of the Ivorian ball is a touch of hope, no matter where on the pitch.

6:43 p.m.: Nigerian counterattack led by who manages to erase several defenders but is stopped at the last minute by the Ivorians. The “Oh my God” ends up becoming ululations of deliverance

The 4th referee announces 09 minutes of stoppage in play. Like the team’s sidelines where the players are already holding their heads in their hands, the Marcory supporters also lower their guard and resign themselves. Now we have to find the scapegoat. The referee is first on the stand. “The match is tight and you whistle a penalty”, “You whistle that, are they on the dance floor or are they? », “A malo cohan”. The coach also has his dose: “You left Zaha, Gervinho and you keep Gradel on the bench. What experience do these children have in scoring goals? » “He there, what is he even looking for in us? » “Ranking looks like it’s for going to play PMU”. And to finish the loop, the players: “They have Osimhen. Among our attackers, who is scary? »

Moumouni Simporé

1-After conceding the goal, the Ivorians gave up

2-Coming to the allocodrome without taking alloco would taste like i

nachevé

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