Football / Los Angeles 2028 Olympics: The Elephants begin preparations ahead of DR Congo

Côte d’Ivoire’s Elephants have begun preparations for the first leg of the second round of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers. They will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday, October 9, in Lubumbashi.

Côte d’Ivoire’s senior women’s national team has got down to business. Having been together since Monday, October 5, 2026, Reynald Pedros’ players held their first training session on Tuesday, October 6, at Lycée Classique de Cocody.

This first session enabled the French coach to begin preparing his players for the trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Elephants will face the Congolese on Friday, October 9, at 14:00 GMT, at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.

Of the 25 players called up by Reynald Pedros, 15 took part in this first session. Five other players—Daplé Ada, Elloh Rebecca, Abrogoua Frédérique, Séry Grâce and Gnaly Estelle—are expected to join their teammates directly in Lubumbashi.

Several absences for the first leg

However, the Ivorian squad will be without several key players for this first leg. Amani Kakounan, Rosemonde Kouassi and Nadja Meité, who play in Germany and the United States respectively, will not travel because of the health situation linked to the Ebola outbreak and the restrictions in force.

Nevertheless, the three players could be available for the second leg, scheduled to take place in Abidjan.

Safi Ouedraogo has also been added to this list. The Ivorian player, who was suspended after receiving a red card during the last Africa Cup of Nations, will not be able to take part in the match in Lubumbashi. She will, however, be eligible for the return leg.

A positive result to secure away from home

Despite these absences, Reynald Pedros will be able to count on a squad of 21 players for this first meeting with DR Congo.

The Elephants’ objective is clear: secure a positive result in Lubumbashi before returning to their home crowd in Abidjan for the second leg. A strong performance on Congolese soil would allow the Ivorians to approach the second leg with greater peace of mind in the race to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The appointment is therefore set for this Friday, October 9, at 14:00 GMT at TP Mazembe Stadium for the first leg of this clash between Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Writer: ‏Charles Zahe

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