Pre-match quotes: Cote d’Ivoire vs Namibia

Ibrahim Kamara (Head Coach, Cote d’Ivoire)

We had a good preparation towards the tournament, which started in Abidjan and finished off in Tunisia. We have worked very hard but no team can be 100 per cent ready. However, we are ready for the opening match against Namibia.

To qualify for this competition means that Namibia are a very competitive side, despite being their first appearance. We are under no form of pressure as we are not the favourites in the group.

Hamed Diomande (Captain, Cote d’Ivoire)

We are well prepared and know what to expect from a tournament of this nature. We respect each of our opponents and we expect a difficult test from each of them. We are looking forward to a positive start against Namibia.

Ricardo Mannetti (Head Coach, Namibia)

The story of Namibia should be shared for all. For two years, there was no national league. And this made it difficult to raise a team since the competition is for home-based players. But the players did well against all odds to make history for their country. The CHAN will be a wonderful platform to showcase Namibian football.

It is our first time here and we need to respect the teams in our group. In the same breadth, they should also respect us. We welcome the underdogs tag. However, everybody must know that the underdog is still a dog with teeth, and can still bite. We are the new boys, but not a dog without teeth.

The gods of football smile on those who the right things, and we made a decision to prepare in a fashionable manner. We have about 3-4 months of preparations and have not changed our formula. Our tournament is bigger than the Cote d’Ivoire (our opponent’s in the first match). Our objective is to get out of the group.

Ronald Himeekua Ketjijere (Captian, Namibia)

We are happy to be playing against big teams. We have prepared very well and are looking forward to the opening game against Cote d’Ivoire. We are not here to add up to the numbers; rather do our best and qualify to the next round.