Ivorian football president Yacine Idriss Diallo defends team after AFCON 2025 exit

Yacine Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation, spoke to the Elephants immediately following their 3-2 quarter-final defeat to Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the result does not define the team’s progress or potential.

Addressing the squad in the locker room, Diallo praised the players’ effort and commitment throughout the tournament.

Present with the team since preparations began, he acknowledged the strength of the Egyptian side and highlighted that the early concession of a goal shaped the outcome.

“I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked and how much you’ve given,” Diallo told the players. “Tonight, our opponents were stronger than us.

This doesn’t diminish your qualities or your skills. The most important message from the coach was concentration.

Conceding after just five minutes forced you to spend the rest of the match chasing the game.”

Diallo emphasized that the AFCON campaign should not be labeled a failure. He called for reflection and learning rather than criticism.

“Our adventure at the AFCON has unfortunately ended. We won’t lift the trophy this time. Some might call it a failure, but I do not.

We must analyze our weaknesses clearly and correct them. Lessons will be learned,” he explained, signaling a forward-looking vision for Ivorian football.

The federation president stressed that the focus now shifts to future international competitions, particularly the upcoming FIFA window in March.

Diallo underscored the broader ambition of the project: “We are building a long-term plan to go to the World Cup and achieve the best performance ever by an Ivorian team.”

His remarks combined reassurance, accountability, and optimism, reinforcing the idea that the Elephants’ campaign, while falling short of expectations, provides a foundation for growth and continued development on the global stage.

Le message du président Yacine Idriss Diallo aux joueurs après la défaite
🎥FIF pic.twitter.com/54215fdLL7

— varan🐊 2.0 🇨🇮 (@luca_varan) January 11, 2026