Zambia elephant meeting this Friday at the Ndola stadium (Ph KOACI)
The Ivory Coastlosing momentum, experienced new disillusionment during the 5th day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Opposed to Shells from Zambia in Lusaka, the elephants lost with a score of 1-0, thus recording a second consecutive defeat in the competition.
For this crucial meeting, coach Emerse Fae chose to renew a solid incoming 11. Yahia Breathe was lined up in goal, with a defense made up of four young talents: Ousmane Diomandé, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo, and Christopher Operi. In the middle, the experienced trio Jean Eudes Aholou, Séko Breathe and Franck Kessié was to provide stability and creativity, while the attack rested on Simon Adingra, Jean Philippe Krasso, and Evan Guessand.
However, despite a promising squad on paper, the Ivorians failed to meet expectations on the ground. From the kick-off, the Zambians imposed their rhythm, exerting high pressure which quickly put the Elephants' defense in difficulty. The technical inaccuracies and lack of cohesion were palpable on the Ivorian side, making any attempt to build a game difficult.
It was in the 43rd minute that the dreaded mistake occurred. On a failed revival of the Ivorian defense, Kennedy Musonda, the star striker of the Shells, intercepted the ball before deceiving Yahia Breathe with a powerful and unstoppable strike. This goal, scored in a charged atmosphere at the National Heroes stadium in Lusaka, cemented Zambia's domination of the first period. The Ivorians, for their part, seemed incapable of reacting, cruelly lacking offensive solutions.
In the second half, despite the tactical adjustments made by Emerse Faethe Ivory Coast was unable to reverse the situation. Attacks have become rare, with team who struggled to find himself in the last meters of the opposing team. Simon Adingra and Jean Philippe Krasso, although renowned for their efficiency in front of goals, were uninspired and unable to really worry the Zambian defense.
This new defeat is a hard blow for the elephants who, with only 9 points, now find themselves in second place in the group, behind the Zambians who take the lead with 10 points. The Ivorians, once favorites in this group, seem to have lost their dynamic. This poor performance adds to a worrying series, marking their second consecutive setback and raising many questions about the form and strategy of the team.team as the final phase of the CAN 2025.
The outcome of the match is clear: a disappointing performance, marked by individual errors and a lack of collective commitment. The Ivorians will have to quickly pull themselves together if they want to avoid another disappointment on the last day of the qualifiers. For Emerse Fae and its men, the urgency is to regain the confidence and efficiency that have made the reputation of elephants on the continent.
The supporters will not hide their frustration after this defeat. Expectations were high, and this poor performance exacerbated criticism of a group considered talented but irregular. The technical staff is now under pressure to find solutions and put the elephants back on the path to victory before the start of the CAN.
The future of selection will depend on the capacity of this team to react. With a workforce made up of promising young talents and experienced executives, the Elephants have the necessary weapons to bounce back. It remains to be seen whether Emerse Fae will be able to find the winning formula to redress the situation and allow the Ivory Coast to shine again on the continental scene.
