Ivory Coast Hit by Key Absences Ahead of Sierra Leone Clash
BBC Sport – Abidjan
Ivory Coast’s hopes of securing qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations have taken another blow following confirmation that two key players — Wilfried Bony and Franck Kessié — will miss the crucial fifth-round qualifier against Sierra Leone.
The news compounds a difficult week for the Elephants, who suffered a 4-3 home defeat to DR Congo in Abidjan on Wednesday. That result has not only left qualification hanging in the balance but also exposed persistent defensive frailties in Hervé Renard’s side.
Striker Wilfried Bony, who was booked during the loss, will serve a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. Midfielder Franck Kessié, meanwhile, will be unavailable after receiving a red card in the same fixture.
Renard now faces the challenge of reshuffling his squad ahead of a must-win encounter. With both Bony’s physical presence up front and Kessié’s energy in midfield absent, the burden of leadership will fall even more heavily on captain Yaya Touré, whose influence has been vital in previous campaigns.
Ivory Coast, a team long praised for its attacking prowess, continues to be undermined by defensive instability — an issue that has plagued the national side despite the presence of high-profile talent across Europe’s top leagues.
The Elephants will need to regroup quickly. Any slip-up against Sierra Leone could seriously jeopardise their qualification chances for a tournament they are expected to be among the contenders for — should they make it.
Hervé Renard, who guided Zambia to a surprise Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012, now finds himself facing another uphill battle. Without Bony and Kessié, his tactical acumen will be tested as he looks to inspire a squad currently low on confidence.
Ivory Coast fans will hope their side can deliver under pressure and keep their AFCON dreams alive.
