Yacine Idriss Diallo, the President of the Football Association in Côte d’Ivoire, has shared insights into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emphasizing teams poised to make an impact while omitting Nigeria as one of the favored contenders.
The upcoming tournament places the Super Eagles in Group A, alongside hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Diallo, in an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, highlighted three formidable teams he believes will pose a challenge for the prestigious trophy.
Diallo expressed confidence in the Ivorian team’s abilities while acknowledging that they do not carry the tag of favorites. Instead, he pointed out Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt as the leading contenders in the competition.
Speaking about the Ivorian squad’s composition, Diallo noted a blend of experienced players and an infusion of youthful talent. Approximately 30% of the team comprises newcomers to this level of competition, indicating a transition phase. Despite this, Diallo emphasized the association’s dedication to assemble a strong and competitive squad.
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“We’re in the process of building a new team. About 30% of our team consists of young talent, experiencing their maiden tournament. Our focus remains on crafting a formidable squad to compete effectively,” Diallo stated optimistically.
Diallo conveyed his team’s aspirations to push limits and strive for victory. “Our objective is to perform at our best and reach the zenith of the tournament. That’s our unwavering commitment,” he added.
The AFCON 2023 is scheduled to commence on January 13th, promising an exciting showcase of African football talent.
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