Cote d’Ivoire defender Serge Aurier says the Ivorians feel they are in fine form going into the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final against Ghana on Sunday at the Bata Stadium.
Aurier who has proved he is one of the best right-back defenders in the African continent with fine displays at the competition said they have been working hard and it is starting to pay off.
“What is happening to me is wonderful. It was tough after our qualifying campaign. We picked up momentum following our very good preparation in Abu Dhabi. We knew it was going to pay off, we feel in full form, and I personally feel very good,” said the tough defender.
To reach the final, Cote d’Ivoire registered two 1-all draws against Mali and Guinea before stopping Cameroon 1-0 in Group D. They went on to silence Algeria 3-1 and humbled DR Congo by the same margin at the semi-final stage.
But Cote d’Ivoire who have only lifted the Afcon trophy once in 1992 will come against an equally good and hungry Ghana side. The Black Stars are chasing their fifth Afcon trophy after winning in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
But Aurier said they will need to maintain a certain rhythm and will have to push themselves because there are only two teams left and there is no more time to ask questions.
“We had some catastrophic games, we were criticized. It is difficult to remain confident when you are criticized in your own country. It is sometime difficult to deal with. You react better when you have your back to the wall. We were not expected and we are in the final,” he added.