Ivory Coast’s narrow 1-0 win over Niger in the first round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers could have been more comfortable, had Max-Alain Gradel converted the penalty awarded in the 23rd minute. Initially, Nicolas Pépé appeared ready to take the spot-kick, but Gradel insisted and ultimately missed, leaving the Elephants with just a single goal advantage and causing visible frustration for Pépé.
Despite this moment, Ivory Coast captain Serge Aurier dismissed any talk of conflict within the squad, stressing that the team atmosphere remains positive. “There’s no need to create controversy. The group is doing well. It’s true that at some point everyone wants to score. Max decided to shoot and unfortunately he missed. Next time it will be someone else’s turn, or maybe he’ll score himself. There’s no problem,” Aurier explained.
The Tottenham defender also addressed questions about whether the Elephants operate with a penalty hierarchy. According to him, confidence, rather than rank, determines who takes spot-kicks. “The one who feels most confident takes the shot. And I think it’s better that way because with a hierarchy, opposing goalkeepers can predict how the starter shoots,” he added.
With the squad unified and focused, Ivory Coast will now prepare for their next qualifying match against Ethiopia, hoping to build on their opening victory and maintain momentum in Group K.
