Ivory Coast

Egypt and Cameroon go through to the semi final

Julien — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:25:16 +0100

The posts for the semi finals are almost complete. The Black Gazelles were mowed down by the Pharaohs and the Eagles of Carthage were devoured by the untamable Lions. In both cases, it wasn’t easy. We saw two of the best matches of the competition. It’ s the experience that makes the artist, as we say. In any case it’s what let Egypt bring Angola to an end. They were solid team who until now astonished us. No doubt they’ll confirm their great play in the next edition of CAN, which will take place at home for them; in Angola. Egypt really enjoyed a great feat when they beat the Ivorians, but a revenge could be on its way. This will surely be the hottest game in the competition. For Cameroon, the task couldn’t have been harder, and was long and intense to boot. The Tunisians lacked a bit of luck but finished holding their heads high: they fought till death, and Lemerre can only congratulate them for their efforts. Cameroon’s strength grew as the event went on…the next match for them will be a challenge for their competition.”

The Ivory Coast will flatten all the animals in the CAN

Julien — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:28:39 +0100

The last game between the Ivory Coast and Mali was one of the best [IC won by 3 -0]. Because they'd already qualified for the quarter-finals, the elephants gave themselves wholeheartedly. Everyone was waiting for a goal from Drogba, because his wife is originally from Mali. He had said before the match that if his wife and their beautiful family wanted to have a party after the game, then it would be better to support the Ivory Coast! The Malians were disappointed because the elephants could have let them continue in the competition. A draw would have been enough. But the elephants could not spare the eagles of Mali; no more than the ‘super eagles' of Nigeria. The Ivory Coast is going to flatten all the animals of the CAN."

The elephant turned carnivore just to gobble up the squirrels

Julien — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:09:44 +0100

For us the match was ours before it started. But after half an hour of play, we started to get a bit worried. And then, Drogba scored. There was euphoria in the streets- it was as though the match was already over. Actually we had been really waiting for our team captain to get a goal because he hadn't in the fist match.

After the match in Yopougon, which is Abidjan's most happening area, the roads were blocked from rue des Princes to rue de Princesse, the place where everyone always goes to celebrate. Some fans were getting on the roofs of cars or hanging on to the back of them cheering. Going through to the semi-finals was a proud moment and people in the streets were draped in the national colours. Forget about vegetarianism, the elephant turned carnivore just to gobble up the squirrels.

Our Observers follow the African Cup of Nations

Julien — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:32:58 +0100

The African Cup of Nations (CAN), which kicked off its 26th yearly edition on Sunday, is followed worldwide and rivals the UEFA Euro competition and the Copa America in popularity. The atmosphere is, of course, heating up most in Africa’s major cities, from where our Observers will be sending us post-match updates with photos and comments. Here are comments and predictions from Abidjan, Casablanca, Cotonou and Accra.