TotalEnergies CHAN 2024: Romaric N'Dri rallies Cote d'Ivoire for Burkina Faso clash

As Côte d'Ivoire prepares for the first leg of their 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Burkina Faso, head coach Romaric N'Dri is setting a determined tone for his team. 

With just a few days left before the clash in Abidjan, N'Dri has called for focus, determination, and joy in execution.

The Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium will provide a fitting stage for this first-leg, final qualifier, with kickoff set for Sunday, December 22, at 1600 GMT.

Speaking about the significance of the match, N'Dri emphasized the opportunity it presents for his players. “We have to be ready because it’s a great opportunity,” he said.

“It’s a football match where you have to prepare well, have fun, put all the ingredients. So, we have to be ready.” 

N'Dri's tenure began only a month ago, and the road to Sunday’s match has been far from smooth. The team’s preparations faced disruptions due to scheduling conflicts and limited training opportunities. 

Despite these hurdles, N'Dri organized two crucial training camps that included friendly matches against Morocco and Guinea. These matches allowed the team to test their strategies and foster unity.

Reflecting on the team’s readiness, N'Dri highlighted the lessons learned from these friendlies. “We shouldn’t necessarily look at the score and the result. We should rather look at the content,” he noted. 

The former Cote d'Ivoire international, N'Dri’s approach to the match against Burkina Faso emphasizes mental fortitude and team spirit.

Despite missing key players, he remains steadfast. “We must count on those who are here, those who want to come, those who are ready to get their jersey wet,” he declared, underscoring the importance of commitment over excuses.

The coach’s strategy is clear: win the first leg without conceding a goal. “The best result for us is to win without conceding a goal,” N'Dri stated.

This approach reflects a focus on both offensive efficiency and defensive organization to lay a strong foundation for the second leg in Burkina Faso.