AFCON 2023: John Obi Mikel tips Ivory Coast to reach final at DR Congo expense

By Saheed Afolabi

Former Nigeria international, John Obi Mikel has tipped the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) host nation, Ivory Coast to reach the final of the tournament.

The Elephants were far from their best in the group stage and they managed to reach the knockout stage as one of the best third placed team with three points.

Mikel, however commended the character and will of correcting previous mistakes for the Ivorians to reach the semifinal which most people never gave them the chance following their howler performance in the group stage.

He said the Ivorians are playing well and their ability in winning games when ruled out of the tournament will boost the morale of the players and may reach the final of the Africa showpiece.

“I think so. I was thinking about it the other day and I was thinking that we managed to beat them in the group stage and they were on the verge of leaving, the tournament and all of a sudden you know, they are back in it and now,” Mikel was quoted by Obione Podcast.

“They have got a wind with them and now are playing prettily okay but not so well, but they have started to win games and now if they can manage to get to the final, who knows?”

Ivory Coast will be tested with a tricky tie against Congo in the semifinal at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Wednesday, February 7.