African football legend Wael Gomaa believes Didier Drogba played a key role in Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON coronation.
Ivory Coast claimed a historic AFCON title despite almost exiting the tournament in the group stages, having qualified for the knockout rounds as the fourth best-placed third place.
The Ivorian FA went on to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset and hire his assistant Emerse Faé mid-way through the tournament, who went on to lead the country to a miraculous title.
Three-time AFCON winner Wael Gomaa believes that not only Faé should be credited for the title win, but also country legend Didier Drogba.
“A football miracle happened in a time when miracles seemed scarce,” Gomaa said after the final.
“The players’ refusal to surrender and their spirit, the ball gave them a chance to come back to life.
“I see that Didier Drogba had a big role in motivating and supporting the players, and the changes in the team and the belief in achieving results in many matches.
“A deserved win for Ivory Coast and a historic championship for them.
“I hope Hossam Hassan achieves the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He has shown great performance and history with Egypt as a player and at the coaching level, he can achieve it, God willing.
“If the Egyptian national team can’t win the title, I hope Morocco does after a very long absence.
“Morocco also deserves to win the title. There is no difference between Egypt and Morocco, and I won’t be sad if Morocco wins, I will be happy from my heart.”
