Will this match be a decisive moment for the Ivorians or for the Senegalese? The Ivorians, struggling since the start of the competition, have a lot to prove today, in the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), against Senegal, the defending champion, in a Charles stadium -Konan-Banny, in Yamoussoukro, where the atmosphere promises to be supercharged.
Will the Ivorians be able to create a surprise at home?
The Elephants came close to elimination in the first round. Finally qualified at the last minute as the best third, despite two defeats, against Nigeria and against Equatorial Guinea, and partly thanks to Morocco, winner of Zambia (1-0), they separated from Jean-Louis Gasset, their coach, replaced by his deputy, former Nantes midfielder Emerse Faé, following their crushing defeat against Equatorial Guinea (4-0). Behind the scenes, Faé will try to cause an electric shock in a team which has necessarily lost self-confidence, but which has nothing more to lose. Historically, Ivory Coast has always fared rather well against Senegal.
But the Lions of Téranga, finalists of the last two editions, seem on a mission for a second title in a row. Aliou Cissé’s team – which displays prudence and humility – knows what to expect against an opponent whose pride has been touched. There is no doubt that, on the Ivorian side, desire, determination and a sense of honor will take precedence over the tactical aspect, especially since at this stage there will be no need to beat Senegal on ninety minutes to eliminate it.
A priori, the Lions of Téranga are favorites. They performed flawlessly in Group C, which was considered the most difficult group in the group stage. They have scored eight goals in three games. No matter, as far as Elephants supporters are concerned, there is no doubt: Côte d’Ivoire will win these round of 16 and even go very far in the competition.
Cape Verde-Mauritania, the other match of the day
A little before, Mauritania must face Cape Verde for another place in the quarter-finals of the CAN. Surprise of the first round of the competition, Cape Verde, emerging undefeated and first in a group which included Egypt and Ghana, is one of the teams in the best form since the start of the CAN. And Mauritania, Petit Poucet who, thanks to his very first victory in an African Cup of Nations, against Algeria, validated his qualification for the eighth under the direction of coach Amir Abdou. The quarter-finals seem to be looming for one of these two teams.
The first posters already promise a surprising new round, because, next Friday, the DRC will face Guinea. On Sunday, it was after penalties that the Congolese defeated Egypt. Their goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, scored the decisive goal against Mohamed Salah’s team. A feat !
And there was also suspense for the Guineans, ultimately winning 1-0 over the Equatorial Guineans, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Bayo in the very last moments of the match.
On the other hand, as for Egypt, the adventure of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon ended on Saturday evening in the round of 16. Nigeria won (2-0) at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan with a double from Atalanta player Ademola Lookman. The Super Eagles will face Angola in the quarter-final, who logically got the better of Namibia (3-0).