Gervinho: “This Time, We Have to Win the Final!”
On Wednesday, February 4, Côte d’Ivoire reached its third Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final in six editions, overcoming a spirited DR Congo side 3-1 in Bata. Goals from Yaya Touré (20’), Gervinho (41’), and young defender Wilfried Kanon (68’) sealed the victory and booked the Elephants’ place in the 2015 CAN final.
Gervinho, who returned to the starting lineup after a two-match suspension, played a pivotal role and spoke to AFP following the match:
“My teammates fought to get to this point. We were able to motivate ourselves and show that we were still Côte d’Ivoire. It was difficult; we were up against a good team. We kept our cool, we took advantage of the opportunities we had, and we were efficient.”
Now, the focus shifts to Sunday’s final, where Côte d’Ivoire will face the winner of Ghana vs Equatorial Guinea. For Gervinho and the Ivorian squad, this is more than just a final—it’s a mission to end a 23-year title drought since their last triumph in 1992.
“This kind of match has to be won, no matter how, and that’s what we did,” Gervinho added. “Starting tomorrow, we get back to work, and this time, the final—we have to win it.”
Having missed two group-stage matches due to suspension, Gervinho is now back with renewed energy:
“I’m coming back with more freshness and energy. It’s up to me to bring a little more to the team; I have to give back.”
The Elephants are just one step away from redemption—and Gervinho is ready to lead the charge.
