Haller & Adingra set to make AFCON 2023 debuts against Equatorial Guinea

On the sidelines of Monday’s decisive AFCON 2023 meeting against Equatorial Guinea, the coach of Ivory Coast, Jean-Louis Gasset, present at a press conference this Sunday, gave an update on Sébastien Haller.

Injured on his ankle on matchday 16th of the Bundesliga, the Ivorian striker has not been able to take part in any game since the start of this AFCON. However, the Elephants’ star could make his return on Monday.

“We know that if we win, we are qualified and that is important. Haller will be in the group. Everyone is talking about Haller. I would like to add Simon Adingra. Both will be in the group. We will have to be efficient because it is our main problem, and we need a score quickly,” announced Gasset.

It is true that the Borussia Dortmund center forward, despite a complicated first part of the season with the German club (11 appearances in the Bundesliga, no goals) where he is now relegated to the sidelines, remains a strong asset for the Elephants. Author of 8 goals in 22 caps for the Ivorian side, Haller represents a leading player who has the ability to change a match at any time. His return is therefore good news, just like that of Simon Adingra. Although less experienced (5 caps, 1), the 22-year-old winger could bring a little more pace to the right flank of the attack.

Following its defeat against Nigeria (0-1), Côte d’Ivoire is not yet guaranteed to participate in the knockout phase of this 2023 African Cup of Nations. Elimination in the first round would necessarily stain the competition organized at home. Cote D’Ivoire play on Monday at the Alassane-Ouattara Stadium (60,000 seats) against Equatorial Guinea, 6 p.m GMT.