AFCON 2023: Kessie’s Cote d’Ivoire fire Nigeria warning with Sierra Leone demolition

The Elephants are Nigeria’s second group-stage opponents, and they have shown their quality ahead of the competition

The Elephants of Ivory Coast defeated Sierra Leone 5-1 in a friendly game ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria were drawn alongside Ivory Coast in Group A of the AFCON. Ahead of the competition, most of the participating teams have taken part in friendly games to build their team chemistry and perfect their tactics before the competition.

Ivory Coast, who have been camped in their country, squared off against Sierra Leone at the Stade Laurent Pokou.

Coach Jean-Louis Gasset named a strong lineup, as former Barcelona star Franck Kessie captained the team from midfield, while Jonathan Bamba and Jeremie Boga starred in the attack.

The Elephants had a strong start, scoring three, thanks to goals from Ousmane Diomande, Kessie, and Bamba.

They did not relent in the second half, as Boga and Lazare Amani added one each to make it five for the two-time African champions. However, Rodney Michael pulled one back for Sierra Leone to make it 5-1.

It ended 5-1 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, and that will be the Elephants’ only game before the AFCON begins on January 13.

The Super Eagles play Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 18. And their win against Sierra Leone shows they know how to score goals. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have conceded six goals in their last five games.