Ivory Coast have been African champions twice before, most recently in 2015 with a team captained by Yaya Toure and are hoping to thrive under the pressure of playing at home. Read: Afcon: Africa next frontier for trophy hunter SalahThe Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial international men’s football championship of Africa, takes place. Advertisement"My job is to transform the pressure into something positive, to make sure that gives the players strength and confidence." This Ivory Coast team lacks a superstar like former hero Didier Drogba and is without Borussia Dortmund striker Haller for at least the opening match as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Read: Why Ivory Coast is the team to beat at 2024 AfconNigeria, who are in Group A with the hosts, begin their campaign against Equatorial Guinea at Ebimpe on Sunday.

Source: Daily Nation January 13, 2024 06:24 UTC