Oliseh says Cote d’Ivore are now AFCON title contenders

Oliseh, however, noted that prior to this, the Elephants “were begging Morocco to help them qualify“ for last 16

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh has labelled 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts, Cote d’Ivore and Nigeria as favourites to lift the torunament’s trophy.

Oliseh, however, noted, while reacting to the Elephant’s win over Senegal on Monday night, via his X page, that prior to his prediction, Cote d’Ivore “were begging Morocco to help them qualify” for the round of 16.

TheNiche had earlier reported that Cote d’Ivore defeated AFCON defending champions and favourites, Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The hosts went into the game against the Teranga Lions on the back of a poor group stage performance where they lost 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea.

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They, however, managed to progress into the round of 16 thanks to Morocco’s victory against Zambia in their final group game.

Applauding the performance of Cote d’Ivore, who were led to the win against Senegal by a local coach following the sack of French tactician, Jean–LouisGasset, Oliseh asserted, “football is a fantastic, crazy rollercoaster”.

Speaking via his social media page, the ex-Nigerian international tweeted: “Change of Coach to a Local one 4 days ago & Cote D’ivoire are in my eyes, now, potential title contenders with Naija! 5 days ago, they were begging Morocco to beat Zambia to help them qualify, Tonight they eliminated Title Favs Senegal. Football is A fantastic, Crazy Rollercoaster.”