26th July, 2013
Ivory Coast captain, Goua Marc says the Elephants will do everything to overturn their three-goal deficit against Nigeria in the race to the African Nations Championship.
Both sides meet at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan Saturday with Nigeria holding a 4-1 lead from the first-leg, but Marc believes the deficit can be overcome.
“Nigeria were not better than us in the first-leg. We produced a good football game and we are optimistic that we can beat them.
“We will do everything to go up three goals and be qualified,” he said.
With entry to the game free, the Asec defender has urged fans to throng into the stadium in support, but appealed for calm.
“The fans should be calm, they must come to the ground to support us, because we need their support for the qualification.”
For goalkeeper Cisse Abdul Karim, the ability to withstand pressure and unlock the Nigeria defence will be key.
But he says the Elephants are primed for the challenge of overcoming what seems a mission impossible.
“Even if this mission seems almost impossible, the players firmly believe that the feat is possible “Nigeria is certainly a tough team but they are not unbeatable. We have had a good preparation, so we are ready to meet this challenge,” he said.
The Africa Sports goalkeeper added that salvation for the Elephants will come from their ability to withstand the pressure. “There will be pressure. But if we can withstand this pressure, we can turn the tide,” he says.
“We must be mentally strong on the field to win this game. With four goals under their belt, Nigeria may play defensive. But we will find ways to get them out of their base.”
Anything other than a clear three-goal win for Côte d’Ivoire will see Nigeria reach their first ever African Nations Championship finals.