The Elephants are resurrected

The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire suffered the heaviest defeat by a host team in the history of AFCON. They were dead and buried as far as the average Ivorian was concerned after their match against Equatorial Guinea. The national team and its coach were a disgrace. So, they sacked the coach and beat up the players in public.

Then, miraculously, results of matches from other groups, threw them a lifeline. They are back in the championship as one of the four lucky losers.

It took everyone by surprise, and the whole country exploded in celebration that only lasted till they found out who they will be meeting next – Senegal.

The reality of their present situation now stares them in the face. What happens now? What are their chances as they face the best team of the group stage on Sunday?

They have no coach. The players are dispirited and frustrated, with a slim and near-impossible task of defeating Senegal and restoring everything they have lost.

I would never want to play against such a team. That’s the dilemma Senegal now face.

I cannot wait to find out how this turns out, but I will also not be shocked or surprised if this marks the end of… Senegal at AFCON 2023. Remember the words from William Congreve’s play, The Mourning Bride: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

Cote d’Ivoire have nothing to lose anymore. They are angry. And they stand to gain the whole world should they prove everyone wrong, take on Senegal, and win!

Senegal are in trouble. They could lose this match.