African football legend Wael Gomaa has maintained that Didier Drogba played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
Ivory Coast overcame a goal deficit to overcome Nigeria 2-1 and win their third AFCON title and made them the first host champions since Egypt in 2006.
The Elephants were almost kicked-out of the tournament in the group stages, having qualified for the knockout stages as the fourth best-placed third place.
The Ivorian FA went on to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset and gave his assistant Emerse Faé charge over the team mid-way through the competition, who went on to lead the hosts to a miraculous title.
Three-time AFCON winner Wael Gomaa insists that not only Faé should be lauded for the title win, but also country legend Didier Drogba.
“A football miracle happened in a time when miracles seemed scarce,” Gomaa said after the final.
“The players’ refusal to surrender and their spirit, the ball gave them a chance to come back to life.
“I see that Didier Drogba had a big role in motivating and supporting the players, and the changes in the team and the belief in achieving results in many matches.
“A deserved win for Ivory Coast and a historic championship for them."
By: Pascal Amoah
