Cote d'voire Football Federation names five coaches for Elephant Job, Keshi not mentioned

Google Image: Stephen Keshi

The Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation (FIF), has released a list of five coaches, that are in the running to replace Herve Renard, as their national team manager.

It was reported that FIF received 60 applications from interested candidates with Nigerian Stephen Keshi, who currently handles the Super Eagles appearing on the list.

The Ivorian Federation the final shortlist on its official website www.fedivoir.com/fifci, Portuguese coach, Paulo Duarte, Polish manager, Henryk Kasperczak, French trio of Patrice Neveu, Frédéric Antonetti and Michel Dussuyer.

Last three will be announce before one of them is given the job.

Renard left The Elephants to join French club Lille, after helping them win their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 23 years.

Ivory Coast Footballer Gervinho shares a Selfie with the President

All in the spirit of celebration as it can be recalled that the Ivorians edged their Ghanaian counterparts  in the final to win Africa's most glamorous tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

Gervinho shared this pic on his Instagram @gervinhofficial along with comment: Selfie Présidentielle #team225 #MrPresident

The picture was taken when the victorious team were being treated to a heroes welcome led by number one citizen of the West African country, Alassane Dramane Ouattara.

Yaya Toure Leads Ivory Coast to Nations Cup Final

African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure was among the scorers as the Elephants of Cote d'voire defeated DR Congo to land in the final of the on-going Africa Cup of nations.

Captain Yaya Toure put the Elephants in front, with a long-range strike, but Dieumerci Mbokani leveled from the spot after Eric Bailly was adjudged to have handled in the area.

Gervinho restored the lead while Wilfried Konan grabbed the third goal to seal the victory.

The Ivorian now have a chance of lifting the Africa cup of nations since 1992 but will have to battle the winner of the second semi final game to be played on Thursday evening between Ghana and host Equatorial Guinea.

AFCON 2015 Semi final Clash between Cote d'voire and DR Congo

Whoever followed the qualifying series which saw Cote d'voire and DR Congo make the AFCON 2015 would agree that both teams have what it takes to make proceed into the final of the on-going tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

Google Image: CIV

On a good day for the Congolese they practically got the better of the Ivorians right infront of their home fans in Abidjan.

According to report on Vanguard, DR Congo Coach Florent Ibenge said with reference to the famous 4-3 qualifying triumph- “We hurt their pride when we beat them at home, the big Ivory Coast. They had not lost at home during the generation of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. They will now want to avenge that loss. 

''But we are also armed with the motivation to reach the final. That is our target.''

Meanwhile, top striker for the Ivorians, Max- Alain Gradel has hinted that the Elephants are looking good to take the next step into the final of the most prestigious competition on the continent.

''It is going to be a good game. DR Congo defeated us in Abidjan during the qualifiers, but this time it will be different. We are going to prepare well to get through,” he predicted.

''It’s together that we are going to go all the way. We are going to work to finish the job.''The clash could not have come at a better time for both teams as they appear to have hit peak form after indifferent starts to this tournament.

AFCON 2015: Guinea to face Ghana in Quarter Final as Ivory Coast tackle Algeria

Th Syli Nationale of Guinea will now face Ghana in the quarter final stage of African Cup of Nations after they were picked ahead of Mali through casting of lots on Thursday in Malabo.

Host Country Equatorial Guinea will battle Tunisia, while the battle of Congolese sees Congo trade tackles with DR Congo on Saturday.

On Sunday, it will be Ivory Coast vs Algeria in an epic battle for a place in the semis.

AFCON 2015: Ivory Coast land in Quarter finals, Guinea and Mali left hanging

Google Image: CIV

It was indeed a display of best of African football artistry, as ''Power'' houses Cameroon and Ivory Coast did battle on wednesday while Guinea and Mali also trade tackles to decided who goes through to the knock out stage of the on-going African cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

Ivory Coast and Cameroon had it tough and quite rough as the Elephant trampled on the Lions the battle securing a lone goal victory enough to see them through to the qaurter finals of the competition. It was Max Gradel's 35th minutes strike that sent Cameroon packing from Malabo.

In the other fixture between Guinea and Mali, it was all-square as they finished one goal appease, tied on points on the table and hang their fate of progression in luck.

CAF has announced that the winner will be decided later today when the Lots will be drawn using Article 74 of Afcon Regulations.

Let's see who gets favoured as the quarter finals commence on Saturday.

Gervinho Tenders Red Card Apology

Ivory Coast forward Gervinho has apologised for seeing red in their opening AFCON match against Guinea on Tuesday.

Google: Gervinho

He was given the matching orders by the Referee after he reacted to a nasty foul by Naby Keita which caused the team to go a man down, trailing a goal.

The Roma ace shared his statement via twitter @GervinhOfficial on Wednesday ''I want to present my apologies to the Ivorian nation, my teammates, the fans and the CAN organizers for this angry gesture which is not like me, and no place for recess on a football field.''

Meanwhile, the Ivorians were rescued by Seydou Doumbia's strike in the 72nd, but have a tie against Mali on Saturday.

Enyeama congratulates Senegal, warns Ivory Coast in quest for AFCON glory

Following Senegal's 2-1 victory over Ghana on Monday, Nigeria Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeam has warned Cote d'voire to beware of the Taranga Lions in their quest for AFCON glory.

Google: Vincent Enyeama

The Lille of France number one congratulated his teammates Pape Ndiaye Soure  and Gueye Idrissa Gana in the Senegalese squad for their victory in the first Group C game but also warned the Elephants of Cote d'voire to watch out for the Lions.

He shared via Instagram ''Proud of you my boys.felicitation.congratulations for your first victory contre GHANA at AFCON2015#EQUITORIALGUINEA @zididi@p.souare_23 keep the fire on @salomonkalou @ryanmendes20 be careful,they are coming to get you.#AFRICAUNITE''

Ivory Coast trade tackles with Guinea in Group D opener on Tuesday evening.

AFCON 2015: From The Stance of A Nigerian

By Amos Joseph

Having to watch the Africa Cup of Nation which kicks off 17 January and ends February 8 without seeing the current Champions is a bit hard, but, really as a football lover, you don't want to miss a single game as every match will have its own share of thrills and action.

This is not an attempt to remind you that Nigeria failed to qualify, it is simply to keep you abreast of the AFCON schedule even if you have to cope with the fact that ''Nigeria'' will not be playing a single game.

A little digression. Imagine if Spain had not participated in the last world cup being the defending champions, what would the world have said? They would have been missed of course. But am sure they would have preferred not to have been a part of that tourney. We saw the outcome! Beaten and knocked out early enough, they didn't even go far in the Brazil 2014.

Now, from a Nigerian perspective and for the sake of good football, what can we make of this AFCON without the Super Eagles? Can one say that the team which struggled with the likes of Sudan, South Africa and Congo be missed at the African stage?

One cannot take away the follower-ship and glamour Nigerian football fan would bring to the event, but the tournament will still have its gloss as said by the CAF President Issa Hayatou 

''The whole of Africa will miss Nigeria in Equatorial Guinea. But the absence will not in any way diminish your stature as a very big and influential nation in the African game, Hayatou said in a statement to the Nigeria Football Federation.

“It would have been good to have the defending champions in Equatorial Guinea. Nigeria brings so much value to the Africa Cup of Nations.

“However, we know that you will come back much stronger, as you did in winning the cup in South Africa last year after missing out on the 2012 championship.”

Also for the sake of football and its development, the AFCON was moved to Equatorial Guinea after original host Morocco pulled out due to reason relating to Ebola outbreak.

The Oil-rich nation will host the games in four venues: the capital city Malabo on an island off the mainland; the biggest city Bata; and Mongomo and Ebebiyin on the eastern border with Gabon.

Equatorial Guinea Burkina Faso, Gabon and Congo are in Group A

Group B: Zambia, Tunisia, Cape Verde, DR Congo

Group C: Ghana, Algeria, South Africa and Senegal

Group D: Cote d'voire, Mali, Cameroun, Guinea

From the stance of a Nigerian, a football lover and a writer: let the better side win.

African Player of The Year Award: Enyeama congratulates Yaya, Thanks Football fans

Nigeria shot stopper Vincent Enyeam in the spirit of sportsmanship has sent a congratulatory message to Yaya Toure on winning the Africa's prestigious award.

Toure beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Vincent Enyeama to clinch the award for a record fourth time.

Enyeama steps out to the award on the night

The Lille goalkeeper shared on social media '' A very big thank you to my #SUPER GOD for bringing me this far.without HIM,I wouldn't have been here. 

''Thank you to my sweet wife and my DIAMOND. Thanks to all my family members,friends and love ones.big thanks to my coaches and teammates,my fans and supporters,media men and women.i love you all.you guys rock.you guys are great.thank you for all the support.

''Congratulations to yaya toure for being the 2014 AFRICAN FOOTBALLER OF DE YEAR.#bravo yaya''

Cote d'voire in Abu Dhabi for AFCON Camping

Instagram/@gervinhofficial

Africa Cup of Nations commences in a few weeks, the Elephants of Cote d'voire are seriously preparing for the championship in their camp base in Abu Dhabi.

 

One of the invited players Gervinho share a pic of the team's gym session on Instagram with comment as ''Training Day #AbuDhabi #Can2015 🌍 #Afcon #Team225''

 

The Ivorians are drawn against Guinea, Mali and Cameroun.

Friendly: Nigeria Super Eagles to play Ivory Coast and Mali

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Senior national team will take on Ivory coast and Mali during the FIFA free days next year.

Google Image: Nigeria vs Cote d'voire

According to report on Vanguard, the NFF General Secretary said the Eagles will also be engages during the period despite not qualifying for AFCON.

 

''We are working round the clock to make sure that the Super Eagles will have opponents for all the FIFA windows available in year 2015, and we are happy that the two games with the Ivorians and the Malians are sealed.

 

''The Elephants and the Les Aiglons are on their way to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, so they are sure to give our team good games.''

 

Already, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi has drawn a list of 24 players who will do battle for shirts for the two matches.

I’m not thinking retirement – Didier Drogba

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has stated clearly that he’s not considering retirement yet.

Google Image

The 36 year old who returned to Chelsea after two years away told, Oma Akatugba, an international football expert after the Champions League match against Schalke on Tuesday night in Gelsenkirchen Germany that he would to think about retirement soon and make decisions on life after playing career.

 

''I have to think about it's soon ehn...laughs..but I try to to enjoy the moment and on day for sure it would have to come, - said the Chelsea forward.

''You cannot continue forever, it has to stop one day.''

The goal poacher retired from national team football after the Brazil World Cup, and since returning to the Blues, he has proven to be an addition to the attack of the Blues which he attributes to his love for the game.  

Drogba being interviewed by Oma Akatugba

''There is no secrete, for me its passion.  I am happy to be on the pitch, anytime I have the chance to be on the football pitch I try to enjoy it, that's why I keep going.

On life after playing career, Drogba said ‘What am looking at the moment is how I can help the team achieve success.

''What can I bring to the team, how can I help the team. That’s the most important thing. I don’t look at 4, 5 or 10 years. My focus is now.''

Didier Drogba became the second non-European player behind Lionel Messi to score 50 or more goals in European competitions.

 

Cote d'voire celebrate Yaya Toure's 100th cap for the Elephants

Instagram/salomonkalou

Salomon Kalou and striker Tallo Gadji delighfully posed with Manchester City midfielder on celebrating his 100th appearance for the Ivory coast national team.

The Ivorian played out a scoreless draw against Indomitable Lions of Cameroun and that was enough to see them through to the Africa Cup of nations in Equatorial Guinea come January.

Salomon Kalou shared on his Instagram ''Congrats Mr 100 cap #Yayatoure u deserve it all. #Can2015 @jt_11crml

Afcon 2015: Nigeria miss out, see countries that made it through

Title holders Nigeria will not be at Equatorial Guinea to defend the title they won last year, thanks to a 2-2 draw the west Africa played against South Africa in Uyo on Wednesday evening.

The African champions finished 3rd place in Group A with 8points, two points behind Congo who pip Sudan 1-0 to secure an automatic slot after Bafana Bafana maintained their lead as winner of the group with 12points.

Here are the teams that made it through:
Equatorial Guinea (hosts), Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia

Good luck to them all, name your favourites for the title.

AFCON Qualifiers: Eagles, Bafana Bafana finish goalless as Cameroun bash Ivory Coast

African champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria coming from a shocking defeat to Congo at home, played out a goalless draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday evening.

The result means that the Eagles maintained a record of never losing or conceding against South Africa in a competitive match.

Meanwhile in other results

Group A
South Africa 0-0 Nigeria
Congo Brazzaville 2-0 Sudan

Group B
Malawi 3-2 Ethiopia
Algeria 1-0 Mali

Group C
Lesotho 1-1 Gabon
Angola 0-3 Burkina Faso

Group D
Cameroon 4-1 Ivory Coast
Sierra Leone 0-2 Democratic Republic of Congo
Note: match switched from Freetown because of Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone

Group E
Uganda 2-0 Guinea
Togo 2-3 Ghana

Group F
Cape Verde Islands 2-1 Zambia
At Maputo
Mozambique 1-1 Niger

Group G
Egypt 0-1 Tunisia
Botswana 0-2 Senegal

Drogba bows out of international football

Instagram: @didierdrogba

Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has decided to quit national team football.

The Ivorian forward (36) released a statement on his Instagram account on Friday afternoon and also shared a picture of his moments with the national team which he captained for almost a decade.

He writes, ''It is with great sadness that I have decided to end my international career.  

''These twelve years in the national team have been immense emotions. My first choice for my last game it was always important for me to give the best of myself to my country.

''I am of course proud to be the captain of this team for 8 years and have helped put my country Cote D'Ivoire on the world stage by taking part in three World Cups in a row and two finals of CAN unfortunate. 

''I can not thank the fans for all their love and appreciation for these années.Tous my goal, s all my selections, and victories are for you, I love you !!! 

''I thank all the players who have helped me to be a pleasure and I wish good luck to my new ex-partners for upcoming deadlines and of course Akwaba the new coach.''

Drogba has made a total of 104 caps for his country and scored 65 goals in all. 

Home sweet Home! Drogba is back to Chelsea

He needs no introduction. The 36-year old Ivorian striker Didier Drogba has made a return to Chelsea and will be at the Bridge for the next one year.

Obviously, the manager of the side is pleased to have the dependable attacker once again.

Mourinho - ''He’s coming because he’s one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he’s not protected by history or what he’s done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history.''

Drogba - ''It was an easy decision - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again.  Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.

''My desire to win is still the same and I look forward to the opportunity to help this team. I am excited for this next chapter of my career.''

More on Chelsea Website

Ivory Coast World Cup exit: Eboue rants, says he won't eat for 30 days

Shortly after the Elephants of Ivory Coast lost to Greece, Ivorian international Emmanuel Eboue took to Twitter to voice his dissatisfaction on the official's verdict to have adjudged a penalty against his brothers in Brazil.

Giovanni Sio obstructed Georgios Samaras in the box with during the dying minutes of the match andDthe ref didn't think twice to pick the call. 

Greeks snatch Round of 16 ticket from Ivory Coast as Colombia go clear

Ivory Coast have been eliminated from the World Cup after conceding a penalty in the dying minutes to Georgios Samaras to be beaten 2-1 by the Greeks in a decisive encounter on Tuesday.

Greece took  the lead few minutes before half time through Andreas Samaris only for Wilfred Bonny to get the Africans back in at 74th minute but they failed to hold on till the end as substitute Giovanni Sio fouled Samaras in the box which proved to be the decider.

In the other Group game, Colombia thrashed Japan 4-1 to go clear as group leaders into the next round with 9pts, Greece finishing second with 4pts.