5 reasons Ivory Coast can win the African Cup of Nations

Eric Bailly Serge Aurier Lamine Kone Ivory Coast AFCON 2017 Paris Saint-Germain Manchester United Sunderland
The Ivory Coast boast one of the world’s most fearsome back-lines

#3 Fear factor

France v Ivory Coast - International friendly match : News Photo
The Ivory Coast is currently Africa’s mightiest team

The Elephants have a squad of pacy, strong players, many of whom ply their trade in Europe. Although that has often afflicted them tactically in previous campaigns, it’s always a boost when other teams lack such star power. Ivory Coast have domestic and international champions in their squad.

Salomon Kalou, Eric Bailly, Serge Aurier and Wilfried Bony are now household names due to their brilliance on the big stage. Most teams would be a bit intimidated by their calibre of players. With the Elephant’s reputation for direct, fast football, many teams will look to sit back and invite pressure, which could play into the Ivorians hands.

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