The Elephants of Ivory Coast were humiliated this Monday, January 22, 2023 by the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea by 4 to 0. Coach Jean-Louis Gasset and his colts are now counting on a best third place to stay in the trophy race. But it’s not yet certain.
Nightmare evening for the organizing country of the 34th CAN. Against Nzalang Nacional, the Elephants were no match at all in this very decisive match.
After a thunderous start, Jean-Louis Gasset’s men were clumsy in front of the Equatoguinean goals. This is the case of Nicolas Pepe who was caught by the opposing goalkeeper after eliminating the defense.
While the Ivorians seemed convinced of mastering their subject, the Equatoguineans will ring out in revolt. In the 42nd minute, Emilio Nsue gave his team the advantage by opening the scoring. It was a total surprise at the Stade Alassane Dramane Ouattara in Abidjan and among the thousands of supporters who were in front of their small screens.
The Ivorians are trying to respond. But I. Sangaré will see his goal refused by the VAR for an offside position) 45+2). The break comes on this advantage of the Equatorial Guineans.
At the restart, the Elephants got into the match poorly. The opponents take advantage of this to increase the score. Thus, in the 75th minute Pablo Ganet brought the score to two before Emilio Nsue, very inspired, scored the 3rd goal. This is the warning shot on the Elephants’ heads.
While we thought the match was over, the Equatorial Guineans didn’t give up. Thus, Jannick Buyla took advantage of a shot repelled by the Ivorian goalkeeper to deal the blow to the Ivory Coast team. With four goals conceded in one evening, the Elephants are more than stunned.
The supporters are distraught and very upset against the coach and the players. This is normal since the Ivory Coast team is now closer to elimination.
Jean-Louis Gasset and his foals must now rely on divine providence to be the Best Third. But with a goal differential of 3 goals, it is not a foregone conclusion. The organizing country of the 34th CAN is in the process of being eliminated from the competition.
Issa Sawadogo, special envoy to Bouaké
