• Tweeter

  • republish

The Malian Moussa Marega among the Ivorians, July 8, 2019. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

Dominated in the game by enthusiastic Malians Monday in their round of 16 CAN 2019, the Ivorians had the last word in qualifying (1-0). The recipe: to be strong defensively and very realistic offensively. A strategy that they will not deprive themselves of reproducing Thursday against Algeria in quarter -final

From our special envoy to Suez,

" Only victory is beautiful! "The Ivorian selection has endorsed this expression after its eighth final won f ace in Mali (1-0). Dominated by a very playful team of Eagles, the Elephants have long bent without breaking before crucifying their opponents in the last quarter of an hour. The goal of Wilfried Zaha on a half-opportunity from Ivory Coast has thus symbolized the realism of the Ivorians who had only 40% possession of the ball in the eighth finals of CAN 2019 . " Only the result counts ," said Max-Alain Gradel after the match. We are here to win no matter the way. Mali has played well against us, but we are the winners in the end . "

At the time of crossing Algeria in the quarterfinal Thursday, Ivorians could be inspired to reproduce the same pattern against a team that has the same player profile as Malians. If Wilfrid Kanon thinks that " every match has its realities ", Gradel, he, does not doubt that the same recipe against the Eagles can produce the same effects against the Fennecs. " Such a strategy, it goes everywhere. When one is solid behind and realistic in front, it works .

CAN 2019: Here are the posters for the quarter-finals

Coach Ibrahim Kamara admitted that his team had " let the storm pass " against the Malians before " enjoying the highlights " in the second half. In front of the men of Belmadi, the key word will necessarily be to remain solid behind and effective in front. " We have reached the stage where we have no right to lose a match. There will be no second chance. We know we have good offensive players, we have to be very solid and we can score against. "

Algeria, the current best team of the tournament which scored 9 goals without conceding, is warned: " We are not here to please, but to win, " launches Max-Alain Gradel

READ ► CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup