As the tension builds ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight AFCON clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, Ivorian hero Amad Diallo has revealed the lighthearted but competitive exchange he shared with Manchester United teammate Bryan Mbeumo.
The two Red Devils stars, who have become the heartbeat of Ruben Amorim’s rejuvenated right flank at Old Trafford, will find themselves on opposite sides of the pitch at the Grand Stade de Marrakech this evening [22:00].
Both players have carried their blistering club form into the tournament, making them the primary threats for their nations in Group F. Diallo scored the decisive winner in the Elephants’ 1-0 opening victory against Mozambique. On the other hand,
Mbeumo provided a sublime assist for Karl Etta Eyong just six minutes into the Indomitable Lions’ 1-0 win over Gabon.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Amad touched on the unique dynamic of facing his clubmate on the international stage.
WHAT AMAD DIALLO SAID ABOUT FACING BRYAN MBEUMO
“You know Bryan is a great player,” Diallo told journalists in Marrakesh. “He does his best for Cameroon, and he fights for Cameroon, just like I fight for Ivory Coast. I know he’s excited, just like me, to play this match. It’s going to be an exceptional match, and I hope the victory will be on our side.”
The 23-year-old winger said it was a good feeling to be on opposite sides to Mbeumo. “We play on the same team at Manchester United, so it’s a good feeling. We are really excited to play this game tomorrow, and I hope we can win and get three points.”
He revealed that they had a conversation with the Cameroonian on Saturday morning. “Yeah, we spoke this morning. I just sent him a message to see how he’s feeling. He feels good, and he is really excited to play the game tomorrow.”
The former Atalanta star described the tie as “the biggest match on the continent”, adding “it’s the most anticipated match.”
“And we are here to win every match; we are here to win the title as defending champions. We have to win all our matches, starting tomorrow, but we won’t stop tomorrow. We want to win every match to show people that we are the defending champions.”
Diallo and Mbeumo will be eager to win the match, with both teams sitting on three points. The winner of this match will effectively secure a spot in the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
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