There was jubilation on the streets of Abidjan on Wednesday night as the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire secured a surprise qualification for the Round of 16 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite the initial setback of a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, hope was restored when the Atlas Lions of Morocco emerged victorious against Zambia with a 1-0 scoreline in San Pedro.
The unexpected turn of events allowed Cote d’Ivoire to clinch a spot in the knockout phase, securing their place as one of the best four third-placed teams.
Young and old Ivorians flooded the streets, expressing joy and chanting in celebration of their team’s success. The remarkable twist in fortune prompted widespread enthusiasm and a sense of relief among the fans.
Prior to this triumphant moment, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) took decisive action by terminating the contract of 70-year-old French coach Jean-Louis Gasset and his assistant Ghislain Printant.
Gasset, a seasoned coach with over 35 years of experience in France and Spain, had taken charge of Cote d’Ivoire in May 2022, succeeding Patrice Beaumelle.
The unexpected victory has not only propelled the Elephants into the next stage of the tournament but also sparked renewed optimism among fans, who are now eagerly anticipating their team’s performance in the upcoming matches.