The Ivory Coast national football team, known as the Elephants, emerged victorious with a sensational comeback, securing a 2-1 win after initially trailing. However, the triumph came at a significant cost as four crucial players will be sidelined for the upcoming semifinal showdown against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The most notable setback for the Elephants is the absence of defender Odilon Kossounou, who received a red card during the quarterfinal encounter.
Alongside Kossounou, team captain Serge Aurier will also be unavailable due to accumulated yellow cards, further depleting the defensive lineup.
The offensive prowess of the Ivory Coast will also be hampered by the suspension of two key players, Oumar Diakité and Christian Kouamé. Diakité, the goal-scoring hero of the quarterfinal, received his marching orders after a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration, while Kouamé faces suspension for accumulating cards throughout the tournament.
These four significant absences pose a formidable challenge for the Ivorian team as they prepare to face the powerful squad of the DRC in the semifinal.
Despite the setbacks, the interim coach remains optimistic, viewing the quarterfinal victory as another heroic step in the team’s journey.
With unwavering support from the passionate fans, the Elephants are steadfast in their pursuit of reaching the final and claiming the coveted AFCON 2024 title.
🔴4 Éléphants manqueront les demi-finales contre la RDC :
– ODILON KOSSOUNOU = 🟥 (1 match)
– DIAKITÉ OUMAR = 🟥 (1 match)
– SERGE AURIER 2 X 🟨 (1 match)
– CHRISTIAN KOUAMÉ 2 X 🟨 (1 match) pic.twitter.com/tU9vAs8qDQ— First Mag+🗞️🚩 (@FirstMagLeVrai) February 4, 2024
