“Dear Ivorian supporters, it is time for me to turn the page,” wrote the player on his social media accounts. This is a carefully considered decision for someone who leaves the national team with the most beautiful of continental trophies: the Africa Cup of Nations.
From France to the Elephants
Born in Paris and having come up through the youth categories of the French national team, Seko Fofana ultimately chose to represent Côte d’Ivoire in 2017. He earned his first cap on November 11 that year against Morocco. However, his first years with the Elephants were marked by irregular appearances.
The midfielder gradually took on a more important role in the Ivorian midfield, eventually becoming one of the faces of his generation. He scored his first <a href="https://absafricatv.com/under-the-patronage-of-the-uae-president-abdullah-bin-zayed-inaugurates-35th-abu-dhabi-international-book-fair/” title=”Under the Patronage of the UAE President, Abdullah bin Zayed inaugurates 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair”>international goal in September 2019 against Tunisia. A few years later, his importance would take on an entirely different scale.
The pinnacle at AFCON 2023
Fofana’s true crowning moment with the Elephants will remain the 2023 AFCON, played in Côte d’Ivoire at the beginning of 2024. Included in the Ivorian squad, the midfielder was among the team’s key figures. And from the opening match against Guinea-Bissau, he distinguished himself in the best possible way. After just four minutes, Fofana opened the scoring with a powerful shot, ideally launching the Elephants’ campaign in front of their fans. Côte d’Ivoire finally won 2-0.
The rest of the tournament would prove much more tumultuous. Beaten by Nigeria then heavily dominated by Equatorial Guinea, the Ivorians left the group stage having barely qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. But their journey took on a new dimension in the knockout stage. Against Senegal in the round of 16, then against Mali in the quarterfinals, the Elephants overturned situations that seemed lost.
Against the Eagles, Fofana was notably involved in both Ivorian goals. His deflected shot allowed Simon Adingra to equalize, before his volley was redirected by Oumar Diakité to give Côte d’Ivoire qualification in the 122nd minute.
A few days later, the Elephants defeated DR Congo in the semi-final before facing Nigeria again in the final. Trailing on the scoreboard, the Ivorians turned the game around thanks to Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller, clinching their third AFCON title. For Fofana, the dream had become reality.
A champion of Africa as a legacy
This triumph at home will undoubtedly remain the highlight of his international career. Fofana was part of the generation that delivered a third continental title to Côte d’Ivoire in front of their own fans. A moment the player still considers a major achievement. “To win the most beautiful trophy on the continent is a childhood dream come true for me,” he wrote in his farewell message.
After the triumph, his international future remained uncertain for a long time. A few days after AFCON, Fofana had already hinted at doubts about his future with the Elephants. He ultimately continued with the national team and participated in the subsequent fixtures.
One last global adventure
Seko Fofana would finally extend his story with Côte d’Ivoire until the 2026 World Cup. Selected for the World Cup, he was among the seasoned players called upon to bring their experience to a team returning to the most prestigious of international competitions. This participation allowed him to experience a World Cup at 31 years old. One last great adventure in the orange jersey before definitively turning the page.
“The Elephants’ biggest fan“
Seko Fofana therefore leaves the national team as an African champion, a World Cup participant, and with a long international career. But beyond the numbers, his time with the Elephants will above all be associated with that exceptional 2023 AFCON. A competition during which Côte d’Ivoire, long on the verge of elimination, ultimately conquered the continent. Now, Fofana will watch the Elephants from the outside. “I will always remain the Elephants’ number one supporter, excited to see this new generation write its own story. Talent is not lacking with us,” he concluded.
A new generation that he leaves with a gold medal around his neck and a special place in the great book of Ivorian football.
