While many observers favor Ivory Coast in the upcoming match against Senegal in the qualifying play-offs for the 2014 World Cup, the Ivorian players express confidence and determination. Serge Aurier believes that “fear is in the Senegalese camp,” and Yaya Touré warns Senegal with a Tweet stating, “Lions are kings of the jungle, but when elephants pass, they crush everything in their path.” Salomon Kalou also sees beating Senegal as a duty to pave the way to Rio.
Despite the players’ confidence, Ivory Coast’s coach, Sabri Lamouchi, remains cautious and wary of the Senegalese team. Lamouchi acknowledges that Senegal is a difficult opponent, and he emphasizes the challenge of facing a team that knows them well, having played against them a year ago in the CAN 2013 play-offs.
“We were victorious, but we will have to repeat this result. There will certainly be a feeling of revenge among the Senegalese, even if there is little chance that the return match will be played in Dakar. Whatever happens, a double confrontation is difficult for us, but also for them,” Lamouchi explained. The coach recognizes the difficulty of the upcoming matches and urges caution to avoid overconfidence within the Ivorian team.
