AFCON: Salomon Kalou casts doubt over Ivory Coast chances

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has cast doubt over Ivory Coast’s chances of defending the Africa Cup of Nations title.

Kalou, who played a key role in the Elephants 2015 Africa Cup of Nations triumph over Ghana in Equatorial Guinea expressed confidence in Nigeria making a big impact.

Ivory Coast won last AFCON on home soil

“Nigeria look very strong this year. With Victor Osimhen leading the line, they have one of the most feared strikers in world football. Add in the pace and creativity of Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, plus Wilfred Ndidi’s stability in midfield, and you see a team with balance and depth.

“Nigeria were runners‑up last time, and with this mix of stars they’ll believe they can go all the way,” he told Duelbits.com.

“I do think Ivory Coast or Nigeria are the ones I’d put my money on”, he stated before picking Osimhen as favourite to be top scorer at the tournament.

Kalou, who won the English Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, tipped Victor Osimhen to score more goals at the tournament.

“Victor Osimhen is the headline act, his goal scoring record speaks for itself, and he has the mentality to carry Nigeria deep into the tournament”, the former Chelsea forward said.

“If I had to pick one name for this tournament [to score the most goals], it’s Victor Osimhen. He’s in incredible form, and Nigeria’s group gives him the chance to start fast.

“Against Tanzania and Uganda, he could get a few goals early, and once a striker like Osimhen builds momentum, he’s very hard to stop. He has the hunger, the quality, and the mentality to finish as top scorer.”

Ivory Coast, who won the last edition of the tournament on home soil, have been paired in Group F alongside five time winners Cameroon, Mozambique and Gabon for the tournament that begins on December 21 to January 18.

Ivory Coast will open their campaign against Mozambique on Wednesday December 24 before taking on Cameroon four days later and Gabon on Wednesday, December 31.