CAN: who are the key men of a miraculous Ivory Coast?

Luck, home advantage or their mental strength? The Ivorian journey is almost inexplicable, and the reasons that can be associated with their improbable success are numerous. Before the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations against DR Congo this Wednesday (9 p.m.), it all started in Group A, when the Ivorians were initially beaten 1-0 against Nigeria, then humiliated 4-0 in front of their audience by a merciless Equatorial Guinea. The national drama led to the dismissal in full competition of Jean-Louis Gasset. Orphaned by its coach, the Ivorian federation requested the loan of the coach of the French women’s team Hervé Renard, unprecedented in the history of international football. The rumor lasted 24 hours before being swept aside by the FFF, forcing Ivory Coast to appoint the inexperienced Emerse Fae, Gasset’s deputy, as head of the team.

With only three points the host country is announced as dead in the first round. Miraculously, he was resurrected by Morocco’s victory over Zambia (1-0), allowing it to qualify at the last minute as the worst of the four best third-placed teams (out of 6). From this key moment, a whole new competition began leading him to two major feats. By consecutively eliminating the Senegalese title holder (1-1, 5-4 after T.A.B.) in the round of 16, and Mali in the quarter-final (2-1, after extra time) both times at the end of the suspense and at the end of duels lost in advance. The Elephants, once ridiculed, now appear immortal before facing DR Congo (Wednesday 9 p.m.) for a place in the final. Review of the key personnel of a team of miracle workers.

Originally he was only one of Jean-Louis Gasset’s deputies, upon arrival he could be a national hero. After the dismissal of his superior, Emerse Fae put on the costume of savior, intended for a demanded Hervé Renard. Finally, the man who has never led a first team bench was able to re-mobilize the troops like never before. In the eighth against the ultra-favorite Senegal, he made strong choices by reintroducing the former Jean-Michaël Seri, Serge Aurier, Max-Alain Gradel, showing that he was counting on his entire group. Out of 24 outfield players, 21 were used more than twice during the 5 matches played by Côte d’Ivoire. And the improvised coach was able to make his bench depth a formidable weapon, as evidenced by the three goals scored in the final phase, all scored by newcomers (Kessié, Adingra and Diakite). Emerse Fae has already proven that he is up to the task, by integrating each of his players into his unexpected conquest.

Brilliant at club, but contested in the selection for his repeated absences, Seko Fofana (28 years old) has a golden opportunity to redeem himself with the Ivorian people. For the moment, it has been a total success. Placed at the heart of the game, he is the only offensive player in a constantly reworked sector, starting in each match of this CAN 2024. The handyman of an often heckled team, his role is to keep the ball, and to make the difference with the ball, thanks to his wide range of dribbling, like against Senegal. It was he who launched hostilities by scoring the first goal of the tournament with a missile of which he has the secret, and also provoked Diakite’s liberating goal against Mali. The ex-Lensois is one of the rare Ivorians to have been consistent. He is having an XXL tournament and still has more under his belt.

Brought out of the closet by their neo-trainer, Aurier, Seri, and Gradel aged 31, 32 and 36 respectively lead the troop. When nothing is going well for Ivory Coast, the three are chosen to lead the team against the Senegalese juggernaut in the round of 16. In addition to their more or less good performances, they bring their experience and become essential relays of the message of Emerse Fae. Aurier and Gradel, African champions in 2015, restored order, while Seri brought his technical qualities to the midfield. More often used and less old, Pépé and Kessié (28 and 27 years old) help the grunts, like the penalty shootout won in the eighth, during which they did not tremble. Aurier also transformed his shot. A turbulent time, the former Parisian is now captain, and does not hesitate to reframe his teammates, as proven by a video in which he demands silence from the noisy Pépé and Bamba, while he wants to sleep. The group seems to be living well, and the oldest of the Elephants are bringing their last footballing breaths to the nation, but above all serving to balance a selection which only lacks victory.

Unlike his midfield namesake, goalkeeper Yahia Fofana is one of those who works in the shadows of the attackers, alongside his defenders. Highlighted thanks to his penalty save against Mali, the Ivorian goalkeeper kept his nation alive, allowing them to maintain a tiny (but sufficient) hope of qualification. Like their goalkeeper, Ndicka and Konan have always been established, and held the house in the face of Senegalese and Malian pressure. Singo is also one of the most loyal soldiers, sidelined for Aurier, the Monegasque quickly resumed his post when his captain was put in a difficult situation. Far from being impervious (as evidenced by the group defeats), the Ivorian backs show courage, and are no less decisive than their offensive colleagues in the Ivorian adventure.

Yes, the artisans of the Elephants epic are not all Ivorians. Because without him, none of this would have happened. Already qualified, Morocco did not need to beat Zambia, who only needed one point to steal the place of best third from Ivory Coast. But in a burst of generosity (and with the desire to finish first), Hakim Ziyech also brought happiness to those who welcomed him. By scoring this decisive goal for both countries, the Moroccan raised the rank of the Atlas Lions to that of saviors in the hearts of the locals, who were very grateful to them. Without wanting to, it was also he who qualified the Elephants, and the Ivorian people.