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Ivory Coast's Football Factory

Started on 6 June 2013 by CThack9
Latest Reply on 29 August 2013 by CThack9
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good start defiantly following good luck!!


November


National Cup 3rd Round: ASEC took to the road for the third round of the National Cup to take on Yopugon FC. Ojabu opened the scoring on a header in the 26th minute, which he later doubled when in the 70th minute. Dindane has to believe that they should have won by much more, having taken 26 shots, and controlling 67% of possession against this lower division squad.
Yopougon FC 0 – 2 ASEC
Goals: Ojabu (26, 70) -- MOTM: Ojabu (8.8)

Game 12: On this warm November night, ASEC Abidjan found themselves taking on the last place team in visiting FC Hire. It took 12 minutes for Bamba to open the scoring on a great cross from Koffie. Under 10 minutes later it was Babatunde who found the back of the net to double the lead. This was followed by Bamba once again at the half-hour mark. Right-back Mahan Goua did brilliantly to make it 4-0 in the 62nd, completing a dominant hour. FC Hire was able to bring one goal back, but it was nowhere near enough.
ASEC 4 – 1 FC Hire
Goals: Bamba (12, 26), Babatunde (21), Goua (62), Drogba (73) -- MOTM: Bamba (9.2)



Game 13: A 21st minute own goal by Sewe keeper Hamed Kouassi was definitely not the start the opposition dreamed of, but ASEC would be glad to catch a break. 10 minutes later it was Nabi Kone who buried a rebound to make it 2-0. ASEC’s luck took a dramatic turn for the worse when Ojabu is added to the injury list and had to be subbed off late in the first half. Quickly after the 2nd half kickoff it was Babatunde who put a pen into the back of the net, 3-0. Sewe managed to get a goal in garbage time to make the final score 3-1. Dindane will surely be anxiously awaiting news on his star forward following this match.
Sewe 1 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Kouassi (OG 21), Kone (31), Babatunde (Pen 48), Sidibe (90) -- MOTM: Mouen (8.5)

Breaking News:

Star striker Omoh Ojabu will be out 5-6 months with a torn calf muscle. This will come as devastating news as he has been on top form and leads the team in scoring. Dindane will likely have a hard time replacing such a great finisher.

Game 14: It was time to see who would step up in the absence of Ojabu, as a home match with Denguele was next on the docket. Coincidentally, 7 minutes in it was Michel Mvondo drilling home a shot on his return from injury. The game was then scoreless until the hour mark when Mouen had a headed effort beat the opposing keeper.
ASEC 2 – 0 Denguele
Goals: Mvondo (7), Mouen (60) -- MOTM: Raphael Dje Bi Tah (8.1)

Game 15: This massive rivalry fixture put two teams on top form against each other in Abidjan. The first half was largely uneventful with both teams have a couple chances until the 41st minute and soon after in the 43rd when Africa Sports managed two quick goals. This was a tough break before the half that would end up being the difference. ASEC tried pushing forward but could not manage to find the back of the net. Dindane will have a hard time getting over that loss after Africa Sports ended up scoring on their only two shots on target. Perhaps a healthy squad could have made the difference in this one.
ASEC 0 – 2 Africa Sports
Goals: Eze (41), Gbokoua (43) -- MOTM: Mark Sekyere (7.8)

Game 16: ASEC came into this match with a heavily injured squad and a couple of suspended players, hoping to rebound from last game. In the 24th it was 20 year old Ivorian striker Bougouhi who opened the scoring, quickly followed by Roger Assale 10 minutes later. The pressure mounted with Bougouhi scoring again only 4 minutes after that. JCA got one back just before the half to make it 3-1 going to the locker room. In the 55th Boly scored to make it 3-2, causing some tension for the home fans hoping we could hold on. Emeka Opara came on in the 70th minute and quickly doubled the lead to seal the victory. This was a very entertaining home game and these fans will leave pleased.
ASEC 4 – 2 JCA
Goals: Bougouhi (24, 38), Assale (34), Diallo (44), Boly (55), Opara (77) -- MOTM: Roger Assale (9.1)

Monthly Recap


November was a very busy month for the team, but despite numerous injuries, suspensions and fatigue we managed to put together a very impressive month. Hopefully once we regain full health we will be able to catch the top two squads. The board has to be pleased with how the team is playing; the very entertaining style has netted 42 league goals in only 16 games.

Fixture List


League Table


Player of the Month: Raphael Dje Bi Tah has impressed Dindane with his play this month, and especially with his ability to stay healthy through an injury filled month. He averaged a 7.5 rating over 6 games, with 2 assists.
unlucky with the injury, I'm sure you'll cope without him.


December


Game 17: 6 minutes in Moussa Traore returns from 4 weeks of injury to score. 5 minutes later, it was Kasereka who doubled the lead. By the 30th minute, Bougouhi made it a 3-0 lead. Mvondo made it 4-0 in the 81st minute. Dominant performance.
ASEC 4 – 0 Issia Wazi
Goals: Traore (6), Kasereka (11), Bougouhi (30), Mvondo (81) -- MOTM: Kasereka (9.0)

Game 18: Finally we were able to have some injured players back in the starting 11 to take on Sabe. In only the 2nd minute, Moussa Traore went on a brilliant run down the flank, cutting inside and beating the keeper. But Sabe would equalize soon after. Thankfully in the 26th Traore got his brace, he has been brilliant. 8 minutes later it was Bamba who headed home the Traore corner to make it 3-1. Just before the sides went to the dressing rooms it was Bougouhi who added to the embarrassment in the 45th minute. 5 minutes after the break, Sabe drew another one back to make it 4-2. Sekyere and Traore each added goals before the 70 minute mark. A late goal by Sabe made the final score 6-3, Traore was simply faultless.
Sabe 3 – 6 ASEC
Goals: Traore(2, 26, 69), Bamba (33), Bougouhi (45), Sekyere (57), S. Bamba (17, 85), Ouattara (50)
MOTM: Moussa Traore (9.7) – 3 goals, 1 assist

Bad news after the match, when the head physio reported that Thierry Kasereka suffered a pulled hamstring and will be out for 5-6 weeks. The injury bug rears its ugly head again, just when some players were coming back.

Game 19: Matchup between 2nd and 3rd place with AFAD Djekanou, trying to set the record straight after losing 2-0 in the first encounter. A great start for ASEC as they scored in the 6th minute off an own goal, and immediately after half it was Zakhri who leveled the game at 1. Somehow the ref gives two penalties in the span of 1 minute and AFAD managed to find the back of the net on the 2nd after a great save was made on the first penalty. However, in the 80th Batabunde scored to even up the match and salvage a point.
AFAD Djekanou 2 – 2 ASEC
Goals: Coulibaly (OG 6), Zakhri (49), Mansou (pen 66), Babatunde (80) -- MOTM: Zagabayou (9.0)


Game 20: It was a quiet first half that saw neither team score, and the deadlock would hold until the 73rd minute when Stella made the breakthrough. A late push of everyone forward found Babatunde find the back of the net in the 88th to level the match. We probably should have won the match when looking at the stats, but Dindane will be glad the team was able to rescue a point late on. However, ASEC do drop points to both 1st and 2nd place.
Stella 1 – 1 ASEC
Goals: Kocou (73), Babatunde (88) -- MOTM: Mark Sekyere (8.1)

National Cup 4th Round: It took all of 2 minutes for Jean-Jacques Bougouhi to score the game’s opening goal. He would later add to his tally in the 36th minute completing a dominant first half. In the 58th the hat trick was completed as he slotted it home from 18 yards out. Brilliant individual showing and he is well deserving of being man of the match.
Issia Wazi 0 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Bougouhi (2, 37, 58) -- MOTM: Bougouhi (9.6)

Game 21: Mark Sekyere continued his stellar play by opening the scoring in the 17th on a bullet from 25 yards. This was soon matched by Bamba only 2 minutes later. Things got worse for SO Armee when they conceded an own goal a few moments later to go down 3-0. ASEC were clear and easy winners in this one.
ASEC 3– 0 SO Armee
Goals: Sekyere (17), Bamba (20), Soumahoro (OG 21) -- MOTM: Mark Sekyere (8.2)

Monthly Recap


December was another very busy month for the team, but Aruna Dindane has to be pleased with the overall performance. Currently sitting 8 points behind first place, with 18 games to play, there is still plenty of time to make a move. Hopefully some of the other teams can help us out. It seems like we may need to fill some voids left by injury during the January transfer window.

Fixture List


League Table


Player of the Month: Jean-Jacques Bougouhi was the standout this month with 5 goals and 3 assists in 6 games. His play was highlighted by a hat trick on December 22nd against Issia Wazi. Over the month he averaged a 7.7 rating.


January


Game 22: We conceded an early goal to Stade d’Abidjan, nightmare start for the heavy favourites. Thankfully Bougouhi responds in the 12th minute to equalize. This was followed by a rocket header by Bamba in the 18th and Dje Bi Tah scoring at the 36 minute mark to make it 3-1. 10 minutes after the half time break, Bougouhi added to his tally with a great move to deke the keeper. However, late on he would need to be taken off due to injury, hopefully it isn’t serious because the striker position is seriously depleted at the moment. The opposition managed one more goal late on to make the final 4-2, deserved win for ASEC Mimosas.
ASEC 4 – 2 Stade d’Abidjan
Goals: Maiga (6), Bougouhi (12, 55), Bamba (18), Dje Bi Tah (36), Desire (83)
MOTM: Hugues Zagbayou (9.0)

After the game word came out that Bougouhi will be out 5-6 weeks… we better find a replacement in the transfer market.

Game 23: Coming into this game Africa Sports was unbeaten in league play since August 26th and sitting atop the league table. A win here would go a long way to closing the gap that their hot streak has recently caused. However, a collection of injuries will mean that Dindane has to rely on some fresh young faces to take on their greatest rival. 18 year old striker Bernard Arthur would get the call up for his first team debut after he has bagged 33 goals so far this year at the U19 level this year.
It was a scoreless first half with both teams coming very close, and it only got tenser in the second half when the post was struck multiple times by both sides. It was a heated affair with four yellow cards apiece, and a late red given to Africa Sports. However, neither side could manage a goal so it ended in a 0-0 draw.
ASEC 0 – 0 Africa Sports
MOTM: Nabi Kone (7.3)



Game 24: Michel Babatunde opened the scoring just before half to give us the lead. In the 54th it was the youngster Arthur who made it 2-0, and soon after Traore put in the 3rd. Easy and deserved win for ASEC in this one against ASC Ouragahio.
ASEC 3 – 0 ASC Ouragahio
Goals: Babatunde (40), Arthur (54), Traore (61) -- MOTM: Bernard Arthur (8.2)

Transfer Deadline: It appears that ASEC will hold firm on deadline day, and will look to their youth squad to fill voids and make a contribution late in the season. Dindane will be heavily scrutinized if this move backfires.

Due to the short month, no recap will be provided, but February should be posted shortly.


Africa Cup of Nations


Africa Cup of Nations squads announced: The final twenty-three man squads for the Cup of Nations has been named. All members of the Ivory Coast team play abroad, but there are numerous former ASEC players participating: Vincent Angban, Igor Lolo, Siaka Tiene, Yaya Toure, Seydou Doumbia, Romaric, Arthur Boka, Emmanuel Eboue, Salomon Kalou, Didier Zokora and Moussa Guindo.



Group Stage The Ivorians managed to finish top of group with 7 points and a plus 7 goal difference. Other group winners included Cameroon, South Africa, and Ghana. While Tunisia, Mali, Algeria, and Nigeria also advanced on points.



Ivory Coast would match up with Nigeria (2nd place in Group A) in the quarterfinals and they were stunned by an unexpected loss by a score of 3-0. Brown Ideye managed to score a hat trick that propelled the 51st ranked team to the semis. This finish is far short of expectations that they would win the title, perhaps a managerial change is in order?


In the fallout from the Cup of Nations, both Bob Bradley (Egypt) and Sabri Lamouchi (Ivory Coast) have been relieved of their managerial duties. Dindane definitely had an interest in managing the side he was a part of for so many years, but feels that he does not have the managerial experience that is desired for this position just yet. It was also announced that veteran midfielder Didier Zokora has retired from international football following this disappointing tournament.


February


Africa Confederations Cup- Preliminary Draw: ASEC will take on Os Balantas, the league leaders from Guinea-Bissau in the preliminary round.



National Cup Qtr Finals: A tough draw had us visiting Stade Robert Champroux to take on 2nd place AFAD Djekanou. We controlled the first half with a number of glorious chances, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Moussa Traore had to go off injured in the 42nd minute, a tough loss for ASEC. This was followed by Goua also being injured and needing a substitution at half. 6 minutes into the second half Mvondo managed to beat the keeper to give us the 1-0 lead. This lead was short lived, as AFAD was able to score in the 66th. It was a crazy final few minutes as in the 84th Yacouba Bamba found himself some space for a free header and took the lead, but only 3 minutes later AFAD struck back. In the 90th, with hopes of a win fading quickly, Arthur managed to get free and score what had to be the winner, a tense 3 minutes of added time followed but ASEC’s defense held together and we are through to the semis.
AFAD Djekanou 2 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Mvondo (51), Zakri (66), Bamba (84), Kouadio (87), Arthur (90) -- MOTM: Michel Mvondo (8.2)

Game 25: Only 5 minutes in Mohamed Wonkoye scored to open the match, but FC Hire struck back quicky with a goal in the 14th. This was followed by a Stevens Koffie goal only a minute later. In the 29th it was Wonkoye again with a great bit of skill to double the lead. In the 32nd Bamba struck to make it 4-1, but Hire would get one back 4 minutes after that in what was a wild first 45. 10 minutes after the break it was Sekyere who made it 5-2 and that was where this one would end.
FC Hire 2 – 5 ASEC
Goals: Wonkoye (5, 29), Toure (14,36), Koffie (15), Bamba (32), Sekyere (56) -- MOTM: M. Wonkoye (9.2)



Confederations Cup Prelim Round: ASEC had to travel to Os Balantas Stadium for the first leg of the round on a hot February day. Only 3 minutes in it was the centre-back Fofana who had a header beat the opposing keeper, followed by Wonkoye continuing his great play in the 19th. At the half hour mark it was Bougouhi who managed to make it a 3-0 lead. 5 minutes later an own goal added to the embarrassment. In the 59th, Dje Bi Tah found himself open in the box to continue the onslaught. Only 2 minutes later, Bougouhi managed to get his brace. Then in the 75th Wonkoye made the scoreline read 7-0 to double his tally on the night. With the last kick of the game, Wonkoye managed to score his 3rd of the match… 8-0 final.
Os Balantas 0 – 8 ASEC
Goals: Fofana (4), Wonkoye (19, 75, 90), Bougouhi (30, 62), Djalo (OG 35), Dje Bi Tah (59)
MOTM: Mohamed Wonkoye (9.6)

Game 26: 9 minutes in Wonkoye continued to light up the scoresheet with another goal, but it was quickly answered by JCA midfielder Kouassi in the 14th. ASEC could not afford to drop points here, and captain Koffie took it on himself to make it 2-1 in the 33rd. Shortly after the halftime break, Kasereka headed home a goal to make it 3-1, but once again JCA answered right back to make it a 1 goal game. In the 69th JCA pulled even due to shocking defending from our team. Dindane cannot be happy with that performance, once again dropping points in a game that should have been won.
JCA 3 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Wonkoye (9), Kouassi (14, 50, 69), Koffie (33), Kasareka (49) -- MOTM: S. Koffie (8.5)

Game 27: Taking on relegation battling USC Bassam back at home after a couple of road fixtures, ASEC saw Kasereka open the scoring in the 34th with a great header off a free kick. Somehow with 24 shots in the first half, it was only 1-0. But in the 47th, Bougouhi managed to double the lead. That would prove to be enough in this 2-0 win which could have easily been 6-0. Bad news following the match was that Wonkoye will miss the next 5-6 weeks with a pulled hamstring and Stevens Koffie will miss 3 weeks.
ASEC 2 – 0 USC Bassam
Goals: Kasereka (34), Bougouhi (47) -- MOTM: T. Kasereka (8.5)


Monthly Recap


January was a fairly slow month due to the African Cup of Nations as ASEC only had 3 games. In February the team really impressed supporters with the goals flying in the back of the net, while only dropping 2 points. Unfortunately we are in a position where dropped points may cost us a chance at catching the top 2 teams in the league.

Fixture List


League Table


Player of the Month: Mohamed Wonkoye really impressed Aruna Dindane in February, as the 18 year old managed to score 6 goals in only 4 games with an average rating of 8.25. Unfortunately injury in the final game of the month will keep the attacking midfielder out for about a month.
Going on strong, keep it up :)
Very good month, keep it up


March


After a long hiatus, I have decided to return to this save. However I no longer have the time to write about each game so a monthly summary will be done instead.

2nd Leg Preliminary Round: Coming in with an 8 goal lead, Dindane chose to field a side featuring some lesser used players.
ASEC 3 – 1 OS Balantas (AGGREGATE: 11-1)
Goals: Babatunde (22, 50), Ubale (69) -- MOTM: Michel Babatunde (8.8)

Game 28:
ASEC 2 – 0 Sewe
Goals: Traore (26), Sekyere (50) – MOTM: Mark Sekyere (8.1)



Game 29:
Issia Wazi 0 – 6 ASEC
Goals: Fofana (3, 56), Mouen (16), Traore (22), Diallo (OG 30), Bamba (73) -- MOTM: Fofana (9.4)

Game 30:
Denguele 1-5 ASEC
Goals: Bamba (41), Bougouhi (43, 72), Bamba (51, 76) -- MOTM: Bamba (9.3)

National Cup Semi-Final:
JCA 0-2 ASEC
Goals: Babatunde (9), Traore (29) – MOTM: Babatunde (8.1)
We will take on Sewe in the final after their 4-0 win in the other semi.

African Confederations Cup 1st round:
MC Alger fans have travelled some 3566 km to Abidjan from their native Algeria in preparation for the first leg fixture. Traore was a one man show, with his best goal being an impudent chip over the keeper from at least 40 metres.
ASEC 5-0 MC Alger
Goals: Traore (8, 25, 33, 61, 81) – MOTM: Moussa Traore (10.0)


Game 31: Blows the lead in the 92nd minute to drop two crucial points.
ASEC 1-1 Stella
Goals: Fofana(13) – MOTM: Fofana(8.2)


Monthly Recap


March was another fantastic month for the squad, the offense is really clicking at the moment. Unfortunately the league leaders do not look like dropping points and will be extremely tough to catch.

Fixture List


League Table


Player of the Month: Moussa Traore had an outstanding month of March, scoring 8 goals with an average rating of 8.38 over the last 6 games. He now leads the team with both 17 goals and 18 assists on the year in 30 appearances.
Yes! This is back!

I just realised that you signed Thierry Kasereka, I signed him on my current story while he was 25/26, he was a real rock at the defence! Best defender I ever played with, but sadly he was too good that Barcelona (ECU) immediately activated his 3m release clause :(

Anyways, good luck!
2013-08-29 03:47#132102 HamoudiLFC : Yes! This is back!

I just realised that you signed Thierry Kasereka, I signed him on my current story while he was 25/26, he was a real rock at the defence! Best defender I ever played with, but sadly he was too good that Barcelona (ECU) immediately activated his 3m release clause :(

Anyways, good luck!

Thanks! Yes he has been a great defender and is still only 19 years old. Unfortunate about the release clause, hope I can manage to hold on to him.

April/May


Game 32:
ASEC 2 – 0 Sabe
Goals: Koffie (8), Bamba (61) -- MOTM: Sylvain Komenan (8.5)

Confederations Cup 1st Round: The team clearly was complacent with a 5-0 lead going into this match and did not perform at their best.
MC Alger 4 – 2 ASEC (AGGREGATE 7-4)
Goals: Babatunde (22, 50), Ubale (69) -- MOTM: Michel Babatunde (8.8)
The draw for the next round has pitted us against Moghreb Atletico de Tetouan from Morocco.

Game 33: A massive encounter with 2nd place AFAD Djekanou, a home game that has to be won! Stevens Koffie managed to open the scoring with a powerful header in the 18th minute. We dominated the first half but could only score once, however a minute after the break it was Bougouhi who doubled the lead. With 8 minutes to go they cut the lead in half, but we managed to hold on for the massive three points.
ASEC 2 – 1 AFAD Djekanou
Goals: Koffie (18), Bougouhi (46) -- MOTM: Thierry Kasereka (8.0)



Game 34:
Stade d’Abidjan 1 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Ubale (14), Wonkoye (42), Traore (80) -- MOTM: Mohamed Wonkoye (9.0)

Game 35: An incredible 2nd half performance by captain Stevens Koffie, scoring three straight goals to vault ASEC into 2nd place. He scored what proved to be the winner on a free kick from the edge of the area.
SO Armee 2 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Koffie (65, 73, 79) -- MOTM: Stevens Koffie (9.6)

Game 36 All important rivalry game against Africa Sports, who have only lost once since October.
8 minutes in and it is a dream start for ASEC with a goal from Sekyere. Toure would answer for the visitors on a header from a corner in the 39th, another was added just before the break. Captain Koffie with a magical strike to level the match with 20 minutes to go. However, things went horribly wrong for ASEC when Kouame was sent off and a penalty was given for the questionable foul in the 71st. Africa Sports converted and would go on to win, virtually sealing the title. Dindane furiously protested the call and was heavily critical of the official in his post-match presser.
ASEC 2 – 3 Africa Sports
Goals: Sekyere (9), Koffie (68) -- MOTM: Mark Sekyere (7.7)

Game 37:
ASC Ouragahio 0 – 4 ASEC
Goals: Traore (59, 83), Ojabu (78, 85) -- MOTM: Moussa Traore (9.3)

Confederations Cup 2nd Round:
MA Tetouan 1 – 0 ASEC
Goals: None -- MOTM: Mahan Goua (7.5)

Game 38:
ASEC 4 – 1 FC Hire
Goals: Traore (7, 29, 41), Dje Bi Tah (54) -- MOTM: Moussa Traore (9.5)

National Cup Final: The big day is finally here, Dindane leads the troops out against Sewe looking for his first trophy. The game has been sold out for weeks, with an estimated crowd of 45,000. A dream start for ASEC came in the 24th minute when Captain Koffie scored to send the fans wild. The next 60 minutes saw great chances for both teams go astray, and the cup looked won with Dindane’s boys dominating possession. However, in the 87th it was Eric Camara who leveled the match at ones with a free header off a corner. Ninety minutes was not enough to settle this one, and extra time was to be had. Sewe went into a defensive shell in search of penalties and were successful as the extra frames settled nothing. As the shootout started, Aruna Dindane could not bear to watch. After the sides exchanged makes and misses it came down to Syndou Traore for the opposing side to extend the shootout but he hits the bar. ASEC are National Cup Champions!!



ASEC 1P – 1 Sewe
Goals: Koffie (24) -- MOTM: Yacouba Fofana (8.1)



Game 39 (FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON):
USC Bassam 1 – 3 ASEC
Goals: Traore (14), Babatunde (50), Mouen (53) -- MOTM: Michel Babatunde (8.3)

Confederations Cup 2nd Round: Going into the home leg down by one goal, we could not finish an abundance of chances (24 shots). Only scoring one goal meant that advancement came down to a penalty shootout, which we inevitably lost 5-3. A very tough way to go out of a tournament we were expected to be contenders in.
ASEC 1 – 0 (AGGREGATE: 1-1P) MA Tetouan
Goals: Ubale (66) -- MOTM: Yacouba Fofana (7.5)

End of Season Review


Overall I felt it was a fairly disappointing season, despite a great record we could not beat our biggest rivals (finishing 3rd) and match the expectations that the board set out for us. Dindane, whose contract was set to expire at the end of June has been awarded a 3-year extension with a considerable pay raise. Despite this new contract, the manager is likely on the hot seat due to losing out so early in the Confederations Cup.
The player of the season is undoubtedly the young Moussa Traore, who wowed fans with his spectacular play – finishing with 25 goals and 19 assists.

Fixture List

League Table

Team Stats

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