Ivory Coast U20 coach Oussou Israël has expressed confidence that his players are capable of rising to the challenge when they face the Flying Eagles, one of Africa's traditional powerhouses at youth level, in the semifinals of the Wafu B U20 Tournament.
The Flying Eagles are the most successful team in the history of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, having won a record seven titles—three more than Egypt and Ghana, who have each lifted the trophy four times.
Nigeria booked a semifinal meeting with Les Petits Éléphants after finishing second in Group B, while the hosts topped Group A with a perfect record, scoring seven goals without conceding.
The Flying Eagles have often had the upper hand over the Young Elephants in previous U20 meetings and are widely regarded as a bogey team for the Ivorians.
However, Israël is confident his side can end that run and secure a place in the final.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Ivory Coast U20 boss told reporters: "Of course, we have confidence, but our confidence is based on the collective.
"We have a good collective, and tactically, I think the boys are recovering well. They are adapting to the different adversities, to the different game problems that our different opponents pose to us."
Israël believes his side is tactically prepared to challenge Nigeria, highlighting his players' ability to adapt to different situations
"They are managing to solve the game problems, and so I think that if we stay like this in this tactical dynamic, in this tactical adaptation, we have the possibility of playing a good match, putting on a good show against this Nigerian team, of playing a very good match, and there you have it, we are ready for this match."
The Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro is the venue of Wednesday's encounter between the Flying Eagles and Ivory Coast, with kickoff scheduled for 1400 hours.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credot: fifciv.com
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