Host country of CAN 2023, Ivory Coast lost heavily to Equatorial Guinea this Monday (0-4).
Elephants are cursed. Hosts of the African Cup of Nations for the second time in their history, after 1984, the Ivorians, like 40 years ago, are in strong danger of not being in the final phase of their own tournament. This Monday, Seko Fofana’s teammates fell heavily against Equatorial Guinea, thus greatly compromising their chances of qualifying for the round of 16.
Despite overall domination and two goals (logically) refused via video assistance, Ivory Coast suffered the full brunt of the realism of the merciless Equatorial Guineans on the offensive. Nsue, author of a double (42e75e) and already credited with five achievements in the tournament, Ganet (73e) and Buyla (88e) are the heroes of the day among the Eclairs. A surprising selection qualified in first position in this group which is tougher than it seemed.
Still a slim hope
To accompany them already in the eighth, the Equatorial Guineans are dragging Nigeria in their wake, who at the same time fell to Guinea-Bissau condemned to zero points (1-0). This on a goal against his camp from Sanganté (36e). The Ivorians, third in the group with three points on the clock, can still hope for a miracle and be among the four best third-placed guests in the round of 16. A draw between Mozambique and Ghana this Monday evening, then another sharing of points between Cameroon and Gambia on Tuesday, and the Elephants will be saved.
