Twelve years after their dramatic encounter in the same stage of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast and Morocco are set to renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated semi-final showdown at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Tuesday evening.
Ivory Coast’s head coach Bassiriki Diabaté is focused firmly on the present rather than past glories.
His side famously defeated Morocco in the 2013 semi-finals en route to lifting the trophy, but he was quick to dismiss any comparisons with that triumph.
“The story is quite inspiring, the contexts are not the same,” Diabaté told reporters at a pre-match press conference. “It will be a great show, and each team will play its part.”
With both teams displaying flair and tactical maturity throughout the tournament, expectations are high for a compelling contest.
Morocco, who boast an impressive tournament record so far with 11 goals scored and only one conceded, will face an Ivorian side determined to stick to its principles.
“It’s a fraternal encounter between two brotherly and friendly peoples, and between two good teams that play football,” Diabaté said, underscoring the spirit of sportsmanship that surrounds this semi-final.
Despite acknowledging Morocco’s formidable form, he made it clear that his team will not abandon its attacking identity.
“We don’t know how to defend; we haven’t programmed the boys to defend,” he stated. “We will remain ourselves, with our principles and our values.”
The Ivorian side, nicknamed the Elephant Cubs, have captivated fans with their open style and fearless approach, and Diabaté’s philosophy of expressive football appears deeply embedded in the team’s DNA.
Midfielder Sylla Vasseri echoed his coach’s sentiments, displaying composure ahead of what is expected to be a raucous atmosphere in Mohammedia.
“We have no pressure because we’re playing the host country. We’re going to play our football,” he said.
With a place in the final at stake and a rich history between the two nations, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
But for Diabaté and his players, the emphasis remains on freedom, joy, and staying true to their footballing identity—regardless of the opponent or the occasion.
