Max Gradel, the central midfielder from Ivory Coast, highlighted that comparing different generations of national teams is inappropriate because each generation of players tells its own unique story and all players who represent the country are one family. Gradel expressed his views ahead of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations semifinal between Ivory Coast and DR Congo, which will take place on Wednesday evening in Ebimpe.
As the hosts, Ivory Coast aims to win their third championship title after their triumphs in 1992 and 2015, when the team consisted of many stars who contributed to their successes.
When asked if there are any similarities between the three different generations, the midfielder, who was also part of the 2015 team, emphasized that what matters is that every player who puts on the national jersey does it in the name of Ivory Coast.
“Every generation lives in its own time. The golden generation of the previous two editions was exceptional and had its own story. This generation is also exceptional and works hard. We also represent our people and want to create our own story. We are one family, and although we are different generations, we are writing the same story and representing the nation of Ivory Coast,” said Gradel.
The winner of the 2015 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON also highlighted the differences and progress in the sport compared to previous years, adding that the current edition is exceptional.
“Every AFCON is different. This is a special edition, you have to admit that. We are playing at home, which makes it a very special AFCON. We have seen how the fans motivate us and what a help it is for us. Against Senegal, we felt the support even when we were in a losing position. When you see your people singing the national anthem while you are in the minority, it’s amazing, and that’s why we have to make them proud,” he concluded.
The match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium will kick off at 20:00.
FAQ:
1. Who is Max Gradel?
Max Gradel is a central midfielder from Ivory Coast.
2. Why does Max Gradel believe that comparing different generations of national teams is inappropriate?
Max Gradel believes that comparing different generations of national teams is inappropriate because each generation of players has its own unique story, and all players representing the country are one family.
3. Which edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place on Wednesday evening in Ebimpe?
The semifinal of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations between Ivory Coast and DR Congo will take place on Wednesday evening in Ebimpe.
4. What successes have Ivory Coast’s players achieved in the past?
The Ivory Coast team has won three championship titles: in 1992, 2015, and they are now aiming for their third championship.
5. What similarities exist between the three different generations of the national team?
Gradel emphasizes that what matters is that every player who puts on the national jersey does it in the name of Ivory Coast. Each generation has its own story, but all represent the same nation.
6. What differences and progress in the sport has Gradel noticed compared to previous years?
Gradel notices that each AFCON edition is different. The current edition is special because the team is playing at home and feels the support and motivation from the fans. The sport is also constantly evolving.
7. When will the match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium begin?
The match will kick off at 20:00 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Definitions:
– CAF – Confederation of African Football.
– Ivory Coast – a country located in West Africa.
– DR Congo – Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country located in Central Africa.
– AFCON – Africa Cup of Nations.
– TotalEnergies – a global energy company based in France.
Suggested related links:
– CAF website
– Ivory Coast Football Federation website
The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be