Mali s head coach Eric Chelle reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 round of 16 football match between Mali and Burkina Faso at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on January 30, 2024. AFP
Mali is set to take on Cote d’Ivoire in the quarterfinals of the continental tournament on Saturday.
"This game is going to be emotional; it will be a match between two brothers, and I have my own perspective on the Cote d’Ivoire team," Chelle, who was born in Abidjan, stated during Friday's pre-game press conference.
"There are players in Cote d’Ivoire with connections to Mali, so it will be an emotionally charged game," he added.
Mali secured their place in the quarterfinals after a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in the round of 16 last week, while Cote d’Ivoire defeated the title holders, Senegal, in a penalty shootout.
"We are delighted to be here. We have had time to recover and prepare ourselves for this game. It is an elimination game that holds great symbolism for us, and we have high expectations," the Mali coach said.
"One thing that is important to note is that Cote d’Ivoire is considered one of the favorites, as I have mentioned from the beginning. They are the host country and the organizers, so they hold a certain advantage," Sekou Chelle commented.
"We are continuously working on our defense before each game, and we are making progress every day. The strikers are also putting in the effort, and it's all about teamwork," the Mali coach added.
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