Ivory Coast’s U17 side heads into Wednesday’s quarter-final clash with defending champions Senegal at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with confidence and composure, showing no signs of nerves ahead of one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
Both sides come into the match unbeaten, having each collected seven points during the group stage.
Yet, despite the stakes and the strength of their opponents, the Ivorian squad is maintaining a cool and focused mindset, determined to continue their strong campaign.
“For us, there’s no pressure. All matches are the same.
For us, there’s no one match that’s more important than the other.
We just come here to follow the advice the coaches give us.
And if possible, win the match,” said midfielder Yannis Touali during a pre-match press conference.
Touali, who found the net in Ivory Coast’s emphatic 6-1 win over the Central African Republic, has been one of the standout performers for the Elephants.
He believes that sticking to what has worked so far will be key as the team prepares to take on the reigning champions.
“Personally, I’m still in the same frame of mind as in previous matches.
We’re going to continue to implement everything we’ve started from the start and maintain the same momentum to finish this competition,” he added.
Ivory Coast’s campaign so far has been marked by steady progress and growing confidence.
Their 4-2 triumph over Mali was particularly significant, showcasing both their attacking prowess and their resilience.
The team has built momentum and belief throughout the tournament, and they now aim to translate that into a semifinal berth.
Integral to this journey has been the support of senior national team coach Emerse Faé, whose continued presence with the squad—starting from preparations back home—has served as a significant morale boost for the young players.
“It’s a great source of pride to talk with the senior team coach… His presence motivates us on the pitch and gives us the strength to honor the country,” Touali said, highlighting the positive influence of Faé on the squad’s mentality and performance.
As the Elephants prepare for the decisive encounter, their focus remains unchanged.
They intend to approach the match with the same attitude that has brought them this far: playing as a unit, following instructions, and staying true to their principles.
Against a formidable Senegalese side, Ivory Coast knows that only their best will be enough to keep the dream alive.
But for now, pressure is not part of their vocabulary.
