Football / Elephants: Christ Tapé, an emotional first call-up

New to Côte d’Ivoire’s Elephants, Christ Tapé experienced a particularly meaningful first international appearance. Starting against Cameroon in a friendly, the Toulouse FC defender put in a respectable performance before returning to his club.

Eight players made their first appearance for the Côte d’Ivoire national team during this international break. Among them was Christ Tapé, the young Toulouse Football Club defender, who had the opportunity to play his first minutes in the orange shirt.

During this break, the Elephants played three matches. In their opening game of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Hervé Renard’s men beat Ghana (2-0), before repeating the feat on the second matchday against Somalia, by the same scoreline. To conclude this international period, Côte d’Ivoire faced Cameroon in a friendly. The match was won by the Indomitable Lions (1-0).

Starting in this game against Cameroon, Christ Tapé seized the opportunity he was given. Despite his team’s defeat, the young defender put in a respectable performance in his first appearance for the Elephants.

“It was a childhood dream”

Back at his club, the former Ivorian prospect looked back on this first international experience with great emotion. For him, wearing the Côte d’Ivoire shirt represents much more than just another step in his career.

“I would say it’s a source of pride. It was so good to play in front of your family and friends. On top of that, it was a childhood dream. Something you had been thinking about since you were little.”

One moment will remain particularly etched in his memory: the national anthem, experienced under his mother’s watchful eyes.

“There was a special feeling that moved me that day: seeing my mother sing the national anthem while she was standing in front of me. I swear I almost shed a tear, but I’m strong…”

These words highlight the emotional significance of this first call-up for the Toulouse defender. Just a few steps away from his family, Christ Tapé thus fulfilled a dream he had cherished since childhood.

From now on, the young Ivorian international will have to continue working hard with Toulouse FC in order to gain more experience and convince the Elephants’ coaching staff. The objective will be to return to the national team during the next international break, in November, for the continuation of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Edited by: Charles Zahe

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