at the CAN, Ivorian supporters relieved after narrow qualification

Thanks to Morocco’s victory on Wednesday, Ivory Coast narrowly escaped elimination in the group stages of the African Cup of Nations.

Since the start of the competition, the African Cup of Nations has offered quality, thrilling and closely contested matches. Ivory Coast, the host country, had promised to organize “the CAN of the century”, but it had certainly not considered being eliminated in the group stage.

The Elephants had a crazy day on Wednesday, January 24. At the end of the morning, French coach Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed even before the decisive results of the day’s matches. Then, at the very end of the evening, Ivory Coast qualified at the last minute thanks to Morocco’s 1-0 victory against Zambia.

“We are brothers and friends”

The Moroccan victory was celebrated like a final in the streets of Abidjan. Wednesday evening, all the Ivorians were Moroccans. As soon as the final whistle blew and the explosion of joy, thousands of young people began running towards the streets of the Marcory district, where many Moroccans reside, to commune with the saviors of the day. “All the Ivorians are really happy. Morocco has really been a god for us. Morocco and Ivory Coast, we are brothers and friends”assures a supporter.

“It’s truly the best CAN in the world, adds another supporter, Ivory Coast was not in good shape at the start of this competition, we were humiliated. But here, Morocco has just saved us from this humiliation. We hope that the Elephants will give their all for this second part of the competition.” he wishes.

“Long live the CAN, long live the Ivory Coast and long live the king [du Maroc] !”

An Ivorian supporter

at franceinfo

The roar of engines, smoke bombs and thrusts by the thousands on Blow of the hammer, the CAN tube. This proxy qualification tastes like victory. Achim, a Moroccan supporter, receives endless hugs. “We are together, he said. We are very proud to allow Côte d’Ivoire to qualify after their 4-0 defeat against Guinea.” The Ivorian selection will play its round of 16 on Monday January 29 in Yamoussoukro, the political capital of the country. Problem: we will have to make a strong impression against the reigning African champions, Senegal.