Former Ivory Coast captain, Didier Drogba, has conceded that the national team is facing a significant challenge in securing qualification for the knockout phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

This acknowledgment comes in the aftermath of Ivory Coast’s 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea on Monday, a disheartening outcome at the Olympic Stadium.

Drogba, expressing his thoughts on the situation to Ivorian broadcaster NCI after the game, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the team’s performance. 

The Chelsea legend stressed the importance of asking the right questions and making judicious decisions in the realm of football.

In his statement, Drogba remarked, “We will have to get back to work, not only asking the right questions, but also making the right decisions. For football and only football because today a nation like Ivory Coast cannot organize such a competition and, of course, get eliminated so early on. But in this manner, there is a real problem.”

The defeat to Equatorial Guinea relegated Ivory Coast to the third position in Group A, trailing behind Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. 

To secure a spot in the Round of 16, the two-time AFCON winners now rely on being one of the four best third-placed teams, contingent on Cameroon’s performance against Gambia on Tuesday.