Despite being favored in the predictions, the Ivorian players remain cautious. They acknowledge the attacking prowess of the Lions and are mindful of the goal conceded in the first leg. Serge Aurier, following in the footsteps of Salomon Kalou, expresses the unpredictability of football, stating, “We never know. Football is a bit of a weird sport. We have already seen teams come back from more than four goals in a match. The goal we conceded in the last minute makes us think a little because 3-0 would have been difficult to come back from. Conceding this goal was a little difficult for us, but we are not going to give in. A two-goal advantage over Senegal is very good.” The Elephants are determined not to underestimate their opponent and approach the match with a focused and cautious mindset.
SENEGAL-IVORY COAST/SERGE AURIER: “THE GOAL CONCEDED MAKES US THINK A LITTLE”
This Saturday marks a crucial match in West African football as one of the formidable nations might bid farewell to the 2014 World Cup. Senegal and Ivory Coast are set to face off in the decisive qualifier for the Brazilian World Cup. In this clash of the titans, the Elephants are strongly positioned to secure their ticket to Rio after securing a 3-1 victory in the first leg against the Lions of Senegal a month ago in Abidjan. The Ivorian team, having previously qualified twice for the World Cup, aims for a third appearance in the final phase.
