Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, freshly returned to his club SCO Angers in France after the triumphant Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, has pinpointed a pivotal match that left an indelible mark on him during the tournament. Fofana, a key figure in Ivory Coast’s AFCON 2023 victory, highlighted the quarter-final clash against Mali as his benchmark match.
In a recent interview with SCO Angers media, Fofana expressed his joy at securing the AFCON 2023 title and shed light on the unforgettable moments that unfolded during the competition.
According to the Ivorian shot-stopper, the match against Mali stands out as a historic encounter in his memory.
“I think it will remain a historic match,” stated Fofana. The goalkeeper recalled a significant moment in the game, saying, “I save a penalty.
I analyzed them before the match. I had my own idea of how he was going to shoot, and it worked for me. I’m super happy to make this stop.
In my head, it was enormous joy. It gave me confidence for the match.”
Fofana went on to describe the intensity of the match, emphasizing the dramatic turn of events. “Afterwards, we equalize; it’s incredible.
We go into overtime, we have chances, we clearly dominate at 10, and we score this goal in the 120th, which delivers a whole people.
The stadium exploded,” he recounted.
The goalkeeper’s reflections provide insight into the emotional rollercoaster of that quarter-final encounter, highlighting the critical role he played in securing the victory.
As Fofana rejoins SCO Angers, the fans anticipate the continuation of his stellar performances, carrying the confidence and experience gained from the historic AFCON 2023 success.