Didier Drogba, former captain of Ivory Coast, has openly acknowledged the significant challenge facing the national team in their quest for qualification to the knockout phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This admission follows Ivory Coast's disheartening 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Monday at the Olympic Stadium.
In a post-game interview with Ivorian broadcaster NCI, Drogba shared his thoughts on the team's performance, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to address the existing issues. The Chelsea legend underscored the importance of asking the right questions and making wise decisions within the realm of football.
Drogba stated, "We will have to get back to work, not only asking the right questions but also making the right decisions. For football and only football because today a nation like Ivory Coast cannot organize such a competition and, of course, get eliminated so early on. But in this manner, there is a real problem."
,
The defeat to Equatorial Guinea has pushed Ivory Coast to the third position in Group A, trailing behind Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. To secure a spot in the Round of 16, the two-time AFCON winners now depend on being one of the four best third-placed teams, contingent on Cameroon's performance against Gambia on Tuesday. The situation has prompted serious reflection on the team's strategy and performance as they strive to navigate through the challenging tournament.