Defending champions Ivory Coast have left no stone unturned in their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) according to team captain, Franck Kessié.
The Elephants will kick off the defence of their title when they face Mozambique on Wednesday evening, 24 December.
“We worked on every aspect — technically, mentally and physically. The goal was to be ready not only on the pitch but also off it. In a competition like AFCON, mental management and team cohesion are just as important as tactical work,” said Kessié.
“We have a lot of respect for Mozambique. They are a solid team that plays without fear. But we also know what we want to do. Football is about being able to seize opportunities and score when they arise. We want to impose our game while remaining disciplined.”
Thus far, there have been no upsets since the start of the tournament on 21 December, with wins for hosts Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, Senegal and DR Congo.
All eyes will now be on Kessié and company to see what they can deliver this time, but he insists there’s no pressure on the team.
“The pressure is normal. We are a team everyone wants to beat, and that inevitably brings extra pressure. But we took that into account from the start of our preparation. We know what it represents and we have worked to be ready to handle that responsibility,” he added.
