Cote D’Ivoire – Guinea Bissau: Gasset warns against complacency

A few hours before the opening match of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), Cote D’Ivoire coach Jean-Louis Gasset has warned against complacency in the prestigious continental competition.

At a press conference on Friday, January 12, 2024, coach Gasset said he had worked on all the plans with the Elephants.

And, he will not look down on any team. His plan consists of “building confidence while respecting the adversary” on the other side.

The lads of Jean-Louis Gasset will play the inaugural match of the 34th edition of the AFCON on Saturday, January 13th. It will be at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan, and they will face Os Djurtus (the wild dogs) from Guinea-Bissau.

Hosts Cote D’Ivoire are clear favorites in the duel against Guinea-Bissau, due to the home advantage and difference in FIFA rankings.

Per Jean-Louis Gasset, there is no small team and everything will be played out on the pitch.

“A match remains a match, there are no more small teams. The principle is to build confidence while respecting the opponent who has very dangerous weapons and players.

” So, we will have to master our subject well and finish our actions… We have worked on all the facets. We will have to experience the event, my job is to transform this pressure into something positive by giving strength to our players…

” I have a group of 27 players and each has their role to play,” Gasset told the media in Abidjan-Treichville.