By Desmond Tunde Coker
The Host Nation of the 34th Edition of the African Cup of Nation the Elephants of Ivory Coast on Saturday humiliated Leone Stars by a 5 -1 defeat in a friendly ahead of Saturday’s AFCON commencement. The game served as crucial preparation for the Ivorian team ahead of the upcoming AFCON tournament. The two-time AFCON champions displayed their prowess, heading into the competition with an impressive record of six games undefeated, featuring four wins and two draws.
Through an Osumane Diamande goal in the 18th minute the Elephants took the lead. Franck Kessie who plays for Al Ahli SC scored in the 35th minute to make it two before Jonathan Bamba scored in the 38th minute before the break to make it three nil. Leone Stars were no match for the host who put up a brilliant performance during the first half to show how ready they are for the tournament. Jeremie Boga’s 48th minute goal and Lazare Amani’s 84th minute strike sealed the five goals for the elephants before Rodney Michael scored his first goal for Leone Stars as the only consolation in the 86th minute.
Leone Stars will play a second test match against The Atlas Lions of Morocco on Thursday, January 11th, 2024. These friendlies are part of both the Ivorian and Moroccan team’s preparation ahead of the AFCON which is scheduled for Saturday, January 13th. Sierra Leone missed out on the tournament after finishing 3rd with five points during the qualification.