Bertrand Kossi : “Nothing will stop the Elephants”

The African Cup of Nations 2023 continues with its procession of surprises. Monday, the Senegal, reigning African champion was kicked out of the competition by the organizing country, the Ivory Coast. In the land of Elephants and even elsewhere, the joy was total. The Benino-Ivorian Bertrand Kossi Gbèvidé Sossou witnessed this qualification of pachyderms. According to him, it is now that the African Cup of Nations has started for Ivory Coast. The continental trophy will remain in the country.

Since the start of the competition, the Lions of Téranga displayed a solid ambition to retain their crown. No defeats during the group stage. Aliou Cissé's troupe performs the 100% and finished at the top of his group with 9 points. The road is all set to retain the title. Drafted by the tournament rules, the Ivory Coast, last country qualified for the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations 2023, falls on the reigning African champion. Opinions were divided. Some saw Ivory Coast definitively exiting the competition while others firmly believed in the qualification of the Elephants.

Among these, Bertrand Kossi Gbèvidé Sossou “BK” for close friends. The Beninese-Ivorian bet on the victory of the host country of the 34^e African Cup of Nations. It didn't fail. Monday, all eyes were on Yamoussoukro. Senegal faced Ivory Coast. Elephants are picked cold in the morning. Even in the presence of Sébastien Haller, player everyone counted on to help Ivory Coast do well in the continental tournament, the doubt was complete. And it was a few minutes before the end of the match that the Ivorians restored parity. Franck Kessié allows an entire nation to continue to exist. During both times 15 minutes of overtime, the two teams were unable to decide between themselves. Penalties take place. Ivory Coast is filling up, Senegal misses once and the Elephants qualify for the quarter-finals. The dearest wish of Bertrand Kossi Gbèvidé Sossou, came true.

Met a few hours after this consecration, the Benino-Ivorian, Managing Director/CEO ''Be 2 Be Invest’’ is proud of the qualification of the team now led by the duo Ermerse Fae and Guy Demel. “Now the competition has begun. The trophy stays in the country. Nothing will stop the Elephants”, he declared as he hosted a party for young people in his Cocody Angree neighborhood on Wednesday to celebrate the qualification.

On his way, Ivory Coast faces Mali, killer from Burkina-Faso (2-0).  Bertrand Kossi Gbèvidé Sossou has no worries. For him, only those who do not believe in destiny can continue to doubt. “We believe in the qualification of our team...The players have understood that we have to go all the way. And so, we accompany them for the final victory. Only the end justifies the means. We have the human resources to do it. A third star for Ivory Coast, we firmly believe in it”, insisted Bertrand Kossi Gbèvidé Kossi.

The 1st day of the first leg is fixed from 03 February at 6 p.m., Ivory Coast will face the Eagles of Mali. Elephants are focused on the objective. Ermerse Fae and Guy Demel are aware of the stakes as are the players. The meeting is prepared carefully. “The party must continue”, concluded “BK”, Managing Director CEO ''Be 2 Be Invest’’.

Etienne YEMADJE, from Abidjan