Ivory Coast are set to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the second time, with their first successful hosting in 1984. Ivory Coast, nicknamed The Elephants, have historically proven their quality by serving fans with captivating performances. They have delivered mostly impressive performances since their AFCON debut in 1965, clinching the trophy twice with a unique rivalry against Ghana.
In 1992, Ivory Coast topped Group C and proceeded to the knockout stage in Senegal. The Elephants secured a 1-0 win over Zambia after extra time, a 3-1 victory on penalties against Cameroon, and triumphed 11-10 in a penalty shootout against Ghana after a goalless final to claim their first AFCON trophy.
Having lost the final in 2012 against Zambia with a star-studded squad, Yaya Toure later led the team to repeat their triumph against Ghana in 2015 as they emerged as winners in another shootout which ended 9-8.
Ivory Coast made their first appearance in 1965, and have since become regular participants. Next year’s tournament will be their 25th appearance at the continental showpiece placing them just behind record holders Egypt, set to make their 26th appearance.
Ivory Coast, drawn into Group A alongside three-time champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, aim to add another chapter to their storied AFCON history. On the flip side, Ivory Coast aim to rewrite history, having experienced the bitter disappointment of being hosts in 1984 and exiting the tournament prematurely in the group stage.
2023 AFCON Matches
Saturday, January 13: Ivory Coast v Guinea-Bissau
Thursday, January 18: Ivory Coast v Nigeria
Monday, January 22: Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast
Players to Watch
Wilfried Zaha:
- Known for his skilful play and versatility in the forward positions.
- Formerly with Crystal Palace, now playing for Galatasaray.
- 33 appearances and 5 goals for Ivory Coast since his debut in 2017.
Sebastien Haller:
- The Borussia Dortmund striker represented France in youth teams before choosing Ivory Coast.
- 29 years old with 8 goals in 21 appearances.
- Participating in the continental showpiece for the second time.
Simon Adingra:
- Right to Dream graduate, now excelling at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.
- 21 years old, received his first call-up in March 2023.
- 3 goals and 1 assist in 11 Premier League appearances this season.
Coach – Jean-Louis Gasset
Jean-Louis Gasset brings a wealth of experience to the Ivory Coast national team, having managed various French-based teams throughout his career. Notable stints include coaching roles at Montpellier, Bordeaux, and St-Etienne, among others. Gasset served as the assistant manager for the French national team from 2010 to 2012 and later assumed the position of assistant coach for Paris St-Germain between 2013 and 2016. His appointment as the head coach of Ivory Coast marks his first full-time national team job, and he is determined to leave his mark as the team pursues its third AFCON trophy.
Team Statistics:
Appearances so far: 24
Best Results: Champions in 1992 and 2015
Worst performance: Group stage in 1974, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2002, and 2017
Most capped player: Didier Zokora with 123 appearances
Captain: Serge Aurier
Top scorer: Didier Drogba with 65 goals in 105 appearances
AFCON 2023 will take place from January 13, 2024 to February 11, 2023.