Ivory Coast's CAN 2024 Nightmare: On the Brink of Elimination

In a shocking turn of events, Ivory Coast faced a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea in their final group match of the 2024 African Cup of Nations (CAN). This disastrous outcome not only jeopardizes the host country's chances of advancing to the round of 16 but also mirrors a nightmare reminiscent of the last CAN they hosted forty years ago.

The Elephants currently sit in third place in Group A with three points, and their negative goal difference (-3) makes their qualification prospects seem bleak. To keep their hopes alive, Ivory Coast must rely on finishing among the four best third-placed teams, a feat made challenging by their poor goal difference. The fate of the team hangs in the balance, with fans anxiously awaiting the results of the remaining group matches on Wednesday.

The disappointment among supporters is palpable. Many had high hopes for a strong performance on home soil, but the team's lackluster showing has left them disillusioned. "I am extremely disappointed," expressed Yann Akoun, a spectator at the Alassane-Ouattara stadium in Ebimpé. "This CAN has great infrastructure and there is a really great atmosphere. But our team is not up to the task."

Criticism is directed at the tactical choices of the French coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, who, at 70 years old, is making his debut at the helm of an African team. Fans argue that the four changes made to the starting lineup, including introducing Oumar Diakité on the right, failed to deliver the desired outcome. "This coach is not in tune with our realities," remarked Odile Kouao, wearing the orange jersey of the national team.

Outside the stadium, scuffles erupted immediately after the final whistle, leading to the vandalism of advertising panels featuring players' likenesses and the stoning of several buses. In downtown Abidjan, supporters vented their frustration at the headquarters of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and Maison Palmier, a luxury hotel where the players are staying, resulting in a police cordon around the area.

The match itself unfolded in a manner that further deepened the agony for Ivory Coast. Despite dominating the first half, Equatorial Guinea, leading the group with 7 points, managed to open the scoring with one of their few forays into the opposing camp. The second half saw numerous opportunities for the Elephants, but their efforts were met with disallowed goals and the formidable efficiency of the Equatorial Guineans.

This disappointment comes on the heels of an initially promising start for Ivory Coast in the tournament. In their opening match against Guinea-Bissau, the Elephants secured a 4th-minute lead, raising hopes of a dominant campaign. However, a subsequent loss to Nigeria and the recent defeat against Equatorial Guinea have exposed the team's vulnerabilities.

The potential elimination of Ivory Coast at this stage of the competition would be both a sporting and political setback. The government invested 1.37 billion euros in infrastructure development, with the Prime Minister tasked with organizing "the most beautiful CAN in history." The bitter reality of falling short in both sporting and organizational aspects leaves a sense of disappointment among officials and supporters alike.

As the 34th African Cup of Nations unfolds, distinguished by its entertaining matches and impeccable organization, the looming possibility of Ivory Coast's elimination threatens to dampen the tournament's magic and its sweet orange flavor. The journey is not over, but the specter of a "nightmare match" has cast a shadow over Ivory Coast's aspirations in CAN 2024.

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