Coach Jean-Louis Gasset who was sacked after Cote d’Ivoire suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the hands of Equatorial Guinea has tipped the Super Eagles to lift the 2024 African Cup of Nations title.
It would be another of nerves Sunday when the Elephants left for dead in the tournament but played their way to the final tackle the Super Eagles at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.
Gasset endured a torrid time as the Elephants lost to the Super Eagles 1-0 and then came the bashing by Equatorial Guinea in their last group A game. They were sent through to the round of 16 after Morocco beat Zambia in their group pairing. He was sacked and replaced by former Ivorian international Emerse Fae who had guide the Ivorians to the final.
Speaking to L’Equipe via Ouest France, Jean-Louis Gasset said: “Ivory Coast are not favorites because Nigeria are higher ranked in Africa and have Osimhen, the best African Player of the Year.
“But with Sebastein Haller, Adingra and maybe Pépé, it’s no longer the same team. I knew they would gain momentum. My departure brought peace. I am proud of the Elephants, happy. ”
Meanwhile Haller who scored the goal against DR Congo that sent the Elephants through to the final stated that the game would be a grudge match.
“We are playing the final against Nigeria. It is a great nation. It is heavy. They beat us in the group stage,” Haller said to beIN SPORTS.
“But we are already motivated to go and lift the trophy on Sunday in this stadium in front of the Ivorian people. We have revenge to take on Nigeria.”
