Côte d’Ivoire Cup: EFYM challenge ASEC
Côte d’Ivoire Cup 2012
At the time, the Ecoliers were playing in the Ligue 1 and ASEC Mimosas thrashed them in their first confrontation (5-1, week 11) before the Ecoliers held the Yellow and Blacks to a draw (0-0, week 24).
After being relegated to the Ligue 2 during that same year, EFYM’s Yellow and Blues spent two seasons in purgatory before they edged their way back into the elite, where they secured a seat at the end of this season’s first phase of the championship.
Satisfactory progress for this promoted team, who plan an excellent campaign in the Côte d’Ivoire Cup. So the Ecoliers have cried vengeance and hope to overcome the obstacle that is Coach Sébastien Desabre’s men, highlighted by EFYM captain, Zahouo Bi Roméo.
“We still have our double confrontation of 2009 at heart. The Cup is another competition with a different motivation. Everything depends on one match and we are going to do what it takes to climb the ASEC hurdle. After avoiding relegation, disputing the National Cup final would be fantastic for us.”
From ASEC’s side, they are refusing to let themselves be intimidated. Desabre and his soldiers do not envisage any outcome other than a win.
“We have to have a good match and win it. We are the current holders of the National Cup and we are going to defend our treasure until the bitter end. We have one chance to play in the quarter finals and we are not going to ruin it. We will need to remain very serious and concentrated because the National Cup leads to Africa,” claimed the coach of the Yellow and Blacks.
In another clash, JCAT host AS Denguélé at the Stade Robert Champroux de Marcory, in a match which promises to be a cracker between two elite teams who know each other well.
After being outclassed in the second week of the Ligue 1 in Group B (0-1), the Abidjanais succeeded in neutralising the Odiennékas during the return leg (1-1, week 9). This clash thus sounds the cry of revenge for JCAT and of confirmation for AS Denguélé.
The final match in Abidjan will see Yopougon FC (Ligue 2) and ASC Ouragahio come to blows at the Parc des Sports de Treichville.
After falling to Issia Wazi in the previous round, Stade d’Abidjan (Ligue 2) will be challenging SOA on their home ground at the Stade municipal de Yamoussoukro.
Stella club d’Adjamé, who just managed a win against Ivoire Académie at the end of a penalty shootout, face a tricky away game in Abengourou. At local stadium Henri Konan Bédié, the Magnans will have to put up a big fight if they hope to get the better of the Princes de l’Indénié, who are still struggling to digest their elimination from the Super Division. ASI, finalists in the previous edition, hope to go even further.
At the Stade Auguste Denise, Séwé Sports de San-Pedro should not meet with any real resistance from Division 3 club, Espérance de Bouaké. After thrashing Agneby (4-0) in the previous round, Séwé seem to have benefitted from quite a lenient draw.
Two other matches will take place opposing Ligue 2 teams. Also in Bouaké, local outfit Bouaké FC will host IFER de Bongouanou, while Agir welcome visitors ES Bafing in Guiberoua.
PROGRAMME FOR THE CÔTE D’IVOIRE CUP ROUND OF 16
PROGRAMME FOR THE CÔTE D’IVOIRE CUP ROUND OF 16
JCA-T vs AS Denguélé
Asec Mimosas vs EFYM
Agir Guiberoua vs ES Bafing
Yopougon FC vs ASC Ouragahio
SOA vs Stade d'Abidjan
Bouaké FC vs IFER Bongouanou
ASI d'Abengourou vs Stella Club
Séwé Sport vs Esperance Bouaké
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