Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo face each other this Wednesday in the semi-final of CAN 2023 (9 p.m.). Here is the expected composition for the host country.
Capitalizing on the strength of a group to mask the numerous absences: this is Emerse Faé’s stated objective before this semi-final of the African Cup of Nations. Ivory Coast, coming from nowhere, will be deprived of several regular starters for this historic match. Serge Aurier, captain and right back, but also central defender Odilon Kossounou and attackers Christian Kouamé and Oumar Diakité will be missing. But there is no question of falling into fatalism.
“For me and for the group, it’s important to know that I don’t just have 11 players starting, but I have 23 players on the scoresheet and 4 players in the stands who support us and want to make their contribution to team success“, explained Emerse Faé at a press conference on Tuesday. “Today, we have created a group that is united and even when I bring players on in the 85th minute, they are in a good state of mind.“.
A revamped defense
Ivory Coast should therefore present itself with a new eleven. Haller is tipped to take his place on the attacking front, while the defensive line could be made up of a Ndicka-Boly hinge, with Singo and Konan on the sides. Other executives are expected at kick-off, such as Seri, Kessié, Fofana and Pépé.
The expected line-up for Ivory Coast : Fofana – Singo, Ndicka, Boly, Konan – Seri, Kessie, Pepe, Fofana, Adingra – Haller.
