Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie is daring to dream after inspiring his nation into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Kessie produced a man-of-the -match display to secure a 1-0 semi-final win over DR Congo. Now he believes the hosts can achieve something special on home soil.
The AC Milan star is determined to deliver for expectant Ivorian fans.
“When you have a crowd like ours, the best in the world, we must go all the way,” he declared after beating DR Congo.
That win followed Kessie’s honest locker room interventions during the group stage.
“The defeat against Equatorial Guinea was a wake-up call for us. We took the opportunity to speak honestly with each other and take responsibility,”
Ivory Coast have been rejuvenated since, finding form when it matters most. Kessie believes the final being held at President Alassane Ouattara Stadium gives added motivation.
“This stadium bears the name of our President, and we must honor it. We still have a long way to go. We should have a glorious history here, and it’s up to us to write the next chapter,” he said.
Victory on Sunday would spark ecstatic scenes nationwide. Nigeria stand in the way, but Kessie is focusing only on today’s celebrations before turning attention to his former club.
