The Argentine Football Association has officially announced that the national team, led by coach Scaloni, is set to engage in friendly matches against Nigeria and Ivory Coast as part of the “Albiceleste” tour in China between March 18 and 26.
According to a statement released by the Argentine Football Association, the current world champions will first encounter Nigeria at the Olympic Sports Center in Hangzhou.
The second match against Ivory Coast will take place at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing.
Both teams are currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, having advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Ivory Coast secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals after a marathon clash against Senegal (the defending champions) that concluded with the Elephants winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16.
Senegal took an early lead in the 4th minute through Habib Diallo, but the Ivorian team equalized with a penalty scored by Frank Kessié in the 76th minute.
In the penalty shootout, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Papiss Cissé, Bamba Diagne, and Sadio Mané scored, while Moussa Niakaté missed.
For Ivory Coast, Nicolas Pépé, Christian Kouamé, Sebastien Haller, Serge Aurier, and Frank Kessié found the net.
Ivory Coast, led by interim coach Eymars Faye, who assumed the role just hours before the match following the dismissal of the Frenchman Jean Gasset, has secured a place in the quarterfinals, setting up a meeting with the winner of the Mali vs. Burkina Faso match.
Meanwhile, Senegal, under coach Aliou Cissé, the defending champions, bid farewell to the tournament.
