Ivory Coast’s interim coach, Émerse Faé, has shared his thoughts following the official announcement of the eagerly anticipated clash against Senegal in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Expressing his gratitude for the team’s qualification, Faé emphasized humility in the face of the upcoming challenge against Senegal, acknowledging them as a formidable opponent.
In a statement to Canal+, Faé stated, “We are happy with this qualification. This qualification did not come from us. Let’s be humble.
We are going to face Senegal who are a good team. We owe our people an apology.”
As the Ivorian team prepares for the showdown against Senegal, Faé’s measured and focused words indicate a sense of responsibility and respect for their opponent.
With Senegal emerging as a defensive powerhouse in the tournament, Faé’s acknowledgment of the team’s quality underscores the gravity of the upcoming fixture.
The round of 16 fixtures, scheduled for the weekend, promises intense battles across different venues.
In Bouaké, Angola and Namibia will kick off proceedings at 5 p.m., followed by the clash between Nigeria and Cameroon at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan at 8 p.m.
Equatorial Guinea faces Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, while Egypt takes on DR Congo in San Pedro, both matches scheduled for Sunday.
On Monday, Cape Verde and Mauritania will compete at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan at 5 p.m., with the much-anticipated clash between Senegal and Ivory Coast taking place in Yamoussoukro at 8 p.m.
The action continues on Tuesday with Mali and Burkina Faso facing off in Korhogo at 5 p.m., followed by the match between Morocco and South Africa in San Pedro at 8 p.m.
The lineup of fixtures promises exhilarating football and sets the stage for thrilling encounters as the quest for continental glory intensifies.
