Ivory Coast: Franck Kessié embraces competition ahead of Ghana

24.09.26 15:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast

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Ghana

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On the eve of the clash between Ivory Coast and Ghana, Franck Kessié appeared at a press conference with a composed message. The Elephants captain spoke in particular about competition within the squad and the emergence of new talents, while expressing his confidence ahead of the opening round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Speaking to the press this Wednesday, September 23, in Bouaké, the Ivorian midfielder was asked about the competition that is gradually emerging between the national team’s established players and younger players. For Kessié, this situation is simply part of life in a national team.

“That’s football, that’s the beauty of football,” he replied.

The Ivorian captain knows this situation all the better because he himself broke into the national team at a very young age, at just 17. He therefore believes that new players must be able to seize their opportunity, without established players considering their place guaranteed.

Also read: Ivory Coast - Ghana: “The favourites are only favourites on paper,” Hervé Renard warns

“The most deserving player gets to play, according to the vision of the coach and his staff,” he explained.

For Kessié, this competition should above all help the squad improve. The arrival of new profiles does not call the established players’ positions into question, but requires everyone to keep working to convince the coach.

The midfielder also offered reassurance about his physical condition. Having joined the transfer market late, he has already played three matches with Atalanta and believes he has enough match fitness to face Ghana.

“I’ve already played three matches, so I think that if I wasn’t physically ready, the coach wouldn’t have called me up. So if I’m here, it’s because I’m physically ready,” he said.

Kessié is above all aware that the fixture against Ghana is no ordinary match. The two national teams meet in Bouaké to begin their campaigns in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

“It’s clear, when you play Ghana, it’s a derby,” he declared.

The Ivorian captain acknowledges the quality of the opposition and urged his teammates to remain focused on the staff’s instructions.

“Ghana is also a great African nation, with very, very good players. As the coach pointed out, we have to be ready,” he added.

Kessié is also counting on the support of the Bouaké crowd to back the Elephants during the match. He knows the atmosphere at the stadium and what this fervour can mean for the national team.

“We know that in Bouaké, we have a crowd that never gives up,” he assured.

Against Ghana, the Ivorian captain therefore wants to see a focused, disciplined team capable of rising to the occasion from kickoff. The match is scheduled for this Thursday, September 24, at 19:00 GMT, at Bouaké’s Stade de la Paix.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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