Ivory Coast Confident Yet Cautious Ahead of AFCON Semi-Final Against DR Congo
Ivory Coast is gathering momentum as the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations progresses. Under coach Hervé Renard, the Elephants have delivered convincing performances, notably defeating Cameroon 1-0 and Algeria 3-1.
Midfielder Serey Dié expressed confidence ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, but remains grounded.
“It’s a great team. And we are aware that the match will be very difficult. No matter the opponent, what matters is my team, my teammates. As long as we keep the same mentality that guides us currently, I think we will be able to calmly approach any opponent that comes our way in this competition. We will give everything we have in our stomachs and in the end we will do the math,” Dié told abidjan.net.
Ivory Coast’s recent 3-1 victory over Algeria, sealed by Wilfried Bony’s brace and a late goal from Gervinho, has positioned them as strong contenders in the tournament. Still, Dié downplayed the ‘favourite’ label.
“I think we don’t need the word ‘favorite’, because the Elephants are not favorites. What matters most to us is the word solidarity that reigns in the group at the moment. It helps us move forward. In any case, favorite or not, we don’t care. We are here to do our job. We will continue to work while keeping a cool head, with a lot of humility. And at the end we will take stock.”
As Ivory Coast prepares to face DR Congo, the team’s focus remains firmly on unity and determination to secure a place in the final.
