Hosts for the 2023 AFCON Cote d’Ivoire are leaving nothing to chance ahead of their epic group clash against the Super Eagles as they have continued to call up new players.
The Ivorians will come face-to-face with the Super Eagles on January 18, 2024, in a second Group A clash.
Cote d’Ivoire French coach Jean-Louis Gasset has thus far called up 46 players in his bid to build a formidable squad to win a third AFCON title.
AS Roma central defender Evan Ndicka, who only made his debut for the Ivorians last month after he changed his international allegiance from France, was again outstanding against a full-strength Atlas Lions from Morocco.
He has formed a solid central defence pairing with Sporting Lisbon teenager Ousmane Diomande.
Former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is team captain.
The Elephants dominated and created the better chances against 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco Saturday in Abidjan.
The Ivorians took the lead through star striker Sebastien Haller in first half stoppage time, before the Moroccans pegged them back late in the friendly.
Cote d’Ivoire are built around Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, but will need to be more clinical in front of goal while also playing a lot more with Haller.
