Roger Boli weighs Côte d'Ivoire's chances against Senegal

Published: Sunday, 28 January 2024

Roger Boli weighs Côte d’Ivoire’s chances against Senegal 

Commentator for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 for CAF TV, Roger Boli has analyzed the host country’s chances against defending champions, Senegal in the round of 16. 

In this interview with Cafonline.com he revealed his impressions about the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'lvoire 2023. 

How are you experiencing the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'lvoire 2023?

Everything is fine. I commentate on the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in San Pedro for CAF TV with my friend Frank Simon and we have been treated to quality games in group F. 

I was able to see players of great talent, players who I liked before and who confirmed all the good things I think of them. I am impressed with players like Daka from Zambia, Kakuta from DR Congo. I really liked Ounnahi from Morocco who is having a good tournament, Sofiane Boufal, who is doing something impressive on the side too. Without forgetting Amrabat who does a good job in the midfield.

In the other teams, I like the collective strength of Nigeria, especially the central defense which have not conceded many goals. Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey and also Aina who does a great job on the pitch just like Lookman and Osimhen who even if he doesn't score, brings a lot to his team. His work rate is important for the team. 

There is also Emilio Nsue who is very valuable to his team. He does a lot of running with or without the ball. Then there is the Angolan Gelson Dala who is a very good player.

Obviously, the Senegalese team have impressed me with their collective effort. 

Frankly, it’s the most beautiful TotalEnergies CAF AFCON I have attended since 2002 in Mali. 

I have attended all TotalEnergies CAF AFCON since 2002 except that of 2015 where Ivory Coast won. This TotalEnergies CAF AFCON is a very good TotalEnergies CAF AFCON and it is not because it is being played in Ivory Coast. I mainly talk about the quality of the matches, the players. Africa is starting to make a lot of progress. 

We see very competitive matches. We see that there is no small team in the qualified teams. It’s great to see all these players holding their place.

Tell us a little about this commentator role that you play. 

I'm enjoying it. Having the chance to commentate on this group F which gave us so many emotions, is a real treat. 

Once again, I liked Morocco with its collective effort. I had fun as a commentator. I have the chance to see good matches, the chance to talk about these matches, to experience them as if I was still a player. At the same time, it’s a job that I love immensely. I'm not a footballer anymore, but it's just like I still was.

On the ground, how do you assess the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'lvoire 2023? 

I appreciate this TotalEnergies CAF AFCON because there are good matches. There is nothing like small small teams. All the teams fight among themselves. There are lot of surprises. These are tough matches but not closed ones. 

We have a chance, everyone is playing with the aim of winning and each team is doing their best to get a good result. There are some very good goals. It’s a very high-level TotalEnergies CAF AFCON with all teams impressing day by day.

Does Cotê D’Ivoire have a chance against Senegal? 

Côte d’Ivoire came back alive after Morocco's victory. We know that in a match, anything can happen. Senegal also have their flaws, and it’s up to the Elephants to exploit them well. 

We will have to be vigilant because this Lions team has a lot of quality and speed. You have to avoid crashing in quickly, play with time, just to surprise them and play with character and will. 

The previous matches were very difficult for Ivory Coast. There is one last chance available; we will have to seize it and above all play it with determination, because the country deserves it.