As the draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Ivory Coast’s dynamic striker, is setting his sights on leading the Elephants to new heights.
The Paris FC forward, who played a key role in the nation’s 2023 triumph, is embracing the challenges ahead and remains focused on preparation and collective success.
There is no ideal draw. All the qualified teams are strong, so nothing will be easy.
It’s up to us to prepare well,” Krasso remarked in the build-up to the draw in Rabat.
The 26-year-old, who stood out during the qualifiers with a memorable brace against Zambia, emphasized that Ivory Coast’s success will depend on teamwork rather than speculating on their group-stage opponents.
Embracing the weight of expectations
As reigning champions, Ivory Coast carries the hopes of a football-mad nation.
While some might find the added expectations overwhelming, Krasso views it as a source of motivation.
Maybe there’s more pressure, especially when playing away, but it’s positive pressure,” he explained in an interview with CAF Online.
Reflecting on the team’s success in 2023, Krasso acknowledged the joy it brought to the country and stressed the desire to replicate that feeling.
We know what we have achieved and the happiness it brought to our families and the nation.
Why not experience that joy again?” he added.
Personal goals and team aspirations
For Krasso, personal preparation is as important as collective ambition.
The former AS Saint-Étienne player is determined to enter the tournament in peak condition.
My first objective is to make the squad for ACON 2025.
Until then, I’m focused on performing well with Paris FC and during World Cup qualifiers.
I want to arrive at AFCON physically and mentally prepared, ready to give my all.
He also recognizes the intense competition that awaits, viewing it as a thrilling opportunity to further cement the Elephants’ legacy.
We know we’ll face strong teams, and that makes the challenge even more exciting,” he concluded.
Ivory Coast heads into AFCON 2025 as one of the tournament favorites, with players like Krasso determined to lead the nation to consecutive titles.
With high expectations and a renewed sense of purpose, the Elephants are poised to leave their mark once again on African football’s grandest stage.
