There had been much speculation as to whether Boubacar Sanogo would actually travel to the African Cup of Nations or not.
There had been much speculation as to whether Boubacar Sanogo would actually travel to the African Cup of Nations or not.
There had been much speculation as to whether Boubacar Sanogo would actually travel to the African Cup of Nations or not. Despite having been called into the squad on many occasions in recent months, the striker was again and again forced to pass up on the opportunity to play for his country through injury. The result was a tense wait in Bremen to see if he would arrive on Friday. At the mandatory fitness test the striker explained: “If all goes well I will fly out to join the national team on Sunday”. Sanogo’s Ivory Coast side will be involved in the Africa Cup of Nations starting on January 20th 2008 in Ghana.
There is still one hurdle to take before that is possible though: “He’s still missing some important papers for admittance into the Ivory Coast and some detailed documents from the football federation”, acknowledged Thomas Schaaf, who is under no illusion that such minute details could keep his striker in Bremen: “I expect him to play a part in the competition there and not join us at the training camp.”
The coach doesn’t expect to see his man return to Bremen until after the Bundesliga clash with Bayern Munich: “One has to acknowledge that the Ivory Coast are a very strong team and they have every chance of reaching the final, which doesn’t take place until 10.02.2008. That’s a blow for us. Bouba is in good form and has a good scoring rate but we can do nothing about it if he’s nominated.”
Just how important Sanogo is to his side is made very clear by the reputation which goes before him in his home nation. On Thursday it was announced that he had come second in the Ivory Coast player of the year awards with only FC Chelsea superstar Didier Drogba piping him at the post.
The Werder coach expects his striker to reintegrate quickly into the team when he returns from the battle for the African national title: “He has had plenty of holiday time, just like the rest of us. He will be in the rhythm of playing whilst he’s there so he’ll be able to slot back in here quickly when he returns. There will be no need for him to take a four week break first”, concluded the trainer.
John Muldoon
