Yahia Fofana, the goalkeeper for both Angers SCO and the Ivory Coast national team, expressed optimism about the remainder of the season following a productive international break. In a press conference held on Friday, September 13, alongside Angers SCO head coach Alexandre Dujeux, Fofana shared his confidence as the team prepares for their upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against RC Strasbourg. The match is scheduled to take place at Stade de la Meinau on Sunday, September 15, at 15:00 GMT.
Boosted by International Success
Fofana returns to club duties brimming with confidence after an impressive stint with Côte d’Ivoire.
During the recent international fixtures, he achieved four consecutive clean sheets—a feat not seen since Sylvain Gbohouo’s five clean sheets in 2015.
“I am pleased with not conceding any goals in my international matches with Côte d’Ivoire. Now, I am back and focused on the upcoming games,” Fofana commented.
His strong performance on the international stage has bolstered his morale as he resumes his role at Angers SCO.
Angers SCO’s Struggles and Hopes
Angers SCO finds itself in a precarious position, currently occupying 17th place in Ligue 1 after three games. Despite some promising performances, the team has yet to secure the desired results.
“I have a lot of hope for the rest of the season. We played some good games, despite not getting the results we wanted. I believe we could have achieved better outcomes in each of our initial defeats,” Fofana noted.
The team’s current form highlights the urgent need for improvement as they seek to climb the league table.
Upcoming Challenge Against RC Strasbourg
RC Strasbourg, Angers’ opponents for the weekend, sits in 9th place with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss. Strasbourg aims to distance itself from the relegation zone, making this a crucial match for both sides.
Fofana is hopeful that Angers can leverage the recent break to rejuvenate and tackle Strasbourg with renewed vigor.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Fofana expressed confidence in his team’s potential to turn their fortunes around. He highlighted the role of players who have had limited opportunities thus far, noting their potential impact on upcoming matches.
“In the upcoming games, players who have played little or not at all will contribute significantly. We need to address and correct certain issues to improve our performance,” he explained.
Concluding on a positive note, Fofana expressed hope that the international break had reinvigorated the squad. “The group’s morale is good. It’s still early in the season.
The break was beneficial, and I hope we can approach the match against Strasbourg with the best possible mindset,” he added.
As Angers SCO prepares to face RC Strasbourg, Fofana’s renewed confidence and the team’s determination could be key factors in achieving a positive result.
