Ivory Coast’s journey in the ongoing AFCON 2023 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From the brink of elimination in the group stage, highlighted by a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, the Elephants managed a stunning turnaround, overcoming Senegal, the defending champions, in a thrilling round of 16 encounter that ended 1-1 and concluded with a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
Amidst the jubilation of players and the entire Ivorian populace celebrating the Elephants’ qualification for the quarter-finals, iconic football legend Didier Drogba, who expressed disillusionment just a week ago, also joined in the revelry.
Drogba, the former goal-scoring sensation for Chelsea and Olympique de Marseille, took to his social media account, notably sharing a video capturing the exuberant scenes of jubilation among the Ivorian people.
In his caption, he wrote, “That’s what it’s all about! Well done Elephants! You fought like Lions,” drawing a spirited parallel to the nickname of Aliou Cissé’s Senegalese troops, who, undoubtedly, are deeply disappointed with their premature exit after aiming to defend their title.
The victory against Sadio Mané’s formidable Senegal side may have surprised many observers, as the Lions were widely considered favorites. However, Drogba had exhibited unwavering confidence in the Ivorian team leading up to the match.
A few days before the clash, the 45-year-old football icon declared, “Senegal has never won Côte d’Ivoire, I repeat, Senegal has never won Côte d’Ivoire. Give it your all.
We are counting on you,” in an interview with NCI.
The Elephants’ triumph resonates not only as a significant sporting achievement but also as a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit that defines Ivory Coast’s national football team, evoking pride and elation among fans and legends alike.
C’est de ça qu’il s’agit !!!!!!!
Bravo les éléphants!!! Vous vous êtes battus comme des lions 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚🧡🤍💚 pic.twitter.com/7ZabNBkbyO— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) January 29, 2024
