Ivorian midfielder Jean Michaël Seri has offered an in-depth account of Ivory Coast’s dramatic journey to victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the experience as “unimaginable.”
Speaking exclusively to Afrik-Foot, the Al-Orobah midfielder shed light on the Elephants’ triumph on home soil, detailing the highs and lows that shaped their path to glory.
Seri, who started the tournament as a substitute under then-head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, later emerged as a key player in the knockout rounds following the team’s remarkable turnaround.
A second chance that changed everything
Reflecting on Ivory Coast’s early struggles, Seri admitted that their situation was dire, relying on other results to qualify from the group stage.
“Who would have thought that playing at home, Côte d’Ivoire would end up depending on other teams’ results? It was unimaginable,” Seri said. “But when we got a second chance, we knew we had to change things. The change in coaching staff and player selection brought new energy and confidence.”
The turning point for the Elephants came in the Round of 16 against Senegal, a team widely considered one of the tournament favorites.
Ivory Coast secured a dramatic victory, a result Seri believes was crucial to their championship run.
“People can talk about Mali, but for me, Senegal was the real test. Beating them gave us exceptional confidence. If we had faced a different opponent after escaping the group stage, we might have become complacent. That match set the tone for the rest of the tournament.”
Emerse Faé’s simple but powerful message
The final against Nigeria, played in front of an electrified home crowd, proved to be another defining moment.
Despite conceding the opening goal, Ivory Coast remained composed, following the advice of interim coach Emerse Faé.
Nigeria couldn’t impose their rhythm because they were exhausted from their previous matches.
When we conceded the first goal, Faé simply told us: ‘What do you want me to say? You’re playing well, so keep going—it will come.’ And that’s exactly what happened.”
The Elephants responded with two second-half goals, sealing a 2-1 victory and completing one of the most improbable AFCON triumphs in history.
From frustration to redemption
Seri also spoke about his personal journey, from being overlooked in the group stage to becoming an indispensable figure in the knockout rounds.
“There were some very difficult moments,” he admitted. “I saw that the team needed balance in midfield, but the coach was set on his decisions.
I attribute it to his lack of experience in African competitions. It was frustrating, but I stayed ready.
That preparation paid off when he was called into the starting lineup against Senegal.
“The night before, I barely slept. I knew I was going to start, and I kept telling myself that I couldn’t afford to fail. My teammates needed me. I was exhausted by extra time, but I was fortunate to be named Man of the Match.”
The moment that defined AFCON 2023
For Seri, one match stands above the rest.
“Some will say the win against Mali was special because of the way we won, but for me, it’s the final against Nigeria.
That’s the match that decides everything. Finals are usually tense, often going into extra time or penalties, but we managed to win in regular time. What we achieved was exceptional.”
From a team on the brink of elimination to lifting the trophy in front of their home fans, Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON victory will be remembered as one of the greatest turnarounds in tournament history.
