As the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 intensifies, Ivory Coast’s national team coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, has revealed a preliminary list of 53 players, capturing attention for not only seasoned international stars but also two homegrown talents from ASEC Mimosas.
Defender Tra Bi Anthony and goalkeeper Ayayi Folly, both representing ASEC Mimosas in the Ivorian Ligue 1, stand as beacons of hope for local football enthusiasts, earning spots on Gasset’s preliminary roster for the prestigious tournament to be held on home soil.
Tra Bi Anthony’s journey is one of resilience and determination.
Initially appreciated for his defensive prowess at Foix football club in France, Anthony faced adversity in 2019 when his irregular administrative status led to deportation back to Ivory Coast.
Undeterred, he found his footing at ASEC Mimosas, and the club’s recent qualification for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals highlights his pivotal role.
For Anthony, playing in AFCON with the Elephants has long been a cherished dream.
On the other hand, goalkeeper Ayayi Folly, a key figure for ASEC, is a reliable asset for both club and country.
While encountering setbacks in the senior national team, Folly remains integral to Gasset’s plans, using club fixtures to showcase his skills and stake his claim for a prominent role with the Elephants.
Gasset’s pre-list features an array of renowned names, including Wilfried Zaha, Franck Kessié, and Nicolas Pépé, underscoring Ivory Coast’s formidable squad.
From this extensive list, Gasset will ultimately select a final squad of 27 players to represent the nation in the competition.
As the anticipation builds for AFCON 2023, the inclusion of Tra Bi Anthony and Ayayi Folly symbolizes the coalescence of local talent and international experience, fostering hope and excitement among Ivorian football enthusiasts.
The journey towards selecting the final squad adds an extra layer of suspense, with fans eagerly awaiting the culmination of their dreams on the grand stage of the African football extravaganza.
