Sol Bamba's Cup of Nations challenge
Leicester City defender Sol Bamba stands on the brink of playing in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the Ivory Coast – and could face one of his team-mates in the competition decider.
Bamba is expected to start today's semi-final against Mali, while fellow City defender John Pantsil should line-up for Ghana against Zambia in the other last-four clash.
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Bamba believes using almost their entire 23-man squad in the earlier rounds has benefited his country's title bid.
"The manager (Francois Zahoui) wants us to give him problems choosing his starting XI and that's what we have managed to do," said Bamba, who was at one time considering his international future after the Ivorians' early exit from the previous tournament.
The only Ivorian player not to feature in the group and quarter-final stages was goalkeeper Gerard Gnanhouan, and Bamba added: "We have shown we have a squad to cope with injuries."
City boss Nigel Pearson has been deprived of Bamba's services for more than a month now, with the centre-back's last appearance being the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on January 2 when he scored his first goal of the season.
Pearson has admitted that, while it is disruptive, Bamba's situation was something he was immediately well aware of when he started his second spell in the hot-seat at the King Power Stadium last November, following the Ivorian's signing by Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"We were prepared for this because when you have players from African nations, you know you could lose them for this tournament," said Pearson.
"It is disruptive in some ways to our season, but I think that is something you have to anticipate when you recruit players. They are having some success so I know it is a tournament we can't avoid.
"As a manager, you just hope your players come back fit, and they are in good form and good spirits. That is the main thing.
"Most international tournaments take place outside the European season so players are used to that but, of course, for this one the lads involved in the African Nations have to come straight back into a competitive season.
"There is possibly a little bit of time needed to adapt again. The main thing for us is that the players come back fit and healthy and, hopefully, looking forward to being involved in the team when they are back. It can be disruptive, but you just have to accept that.
"In the meantime, our focus remains on the players who are here who can affect our teams, so we can negotiate this tricky spell of the season."
9 Comments
by TheGeofflane
Thursday, February 09 2012, 10:48AM
“We need our best players here, not away playing, and risking injury, in Africa for someone else. Top clubs with huge squads, maybe. But not us. I wish him every success with Ivory Coast and his future career. And I hope Nigel gets a good price for both Bamba and Pantsil this close season. Same applies to Schlupp if he becomes a Ghana regular. African internationals are a luxury we can't afford. Shame, but that's life.”
by ghostof66
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 9:31PM
“He's done it.. Mali 0. Ivory Coast 1.
All the way to the final and not a goal conceded....
WELL DONE SOL and GOOD LUCK in the Final”
by GCoatsworth2
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 8:02PM
“Bamba might just put himself in the shop window for a big move (I cant decide if he is our best or worst player - he ranges from being awesome to a liability from game to game). Good luck Sol”
by Wolcott
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 6:21PM
“Good luck Bamba and Pantsil!”
by acullingham
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 12:15PM
“I think we've missed Bamba. His height, his passion,his desire...those who went to Palace saw how good he is when we have our backs to the wall. IMHO he's better than Mills.”
by BlueFox88
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 12:00PM
“I am sure Sol doesn't have to put up with the moaning and groaning from fans when playing for Ivory Coast which could also be an explanation! When Sol does get the ball and goes on a little run and beats 1 or 2 players the fans cheer and love it, yet what they don't realise is that he is then out of position if we lose the ball... which could cost us a goal! So Sol (being a fans favourite) is under pressure to impress (as Norman said, without a decent midfield for City), but then takes the flack when it doesn't work.
Hopefully Nige has sorted out the midfield with the new signings so when Sol is back he can concentrate on doing what he does best... defending! I would like to see Sol and SSL as a pairing and as much as I like Peltier his positioning isn't great so give Pants a game or two...”
by ghostof66
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 11:25AM
“Well said Norman....
Tony..... At the CONCAF, he has quality players in front of him and dosn't have to try to do their job for them..
Looking forward to supporting lcfc "representation" in a Final.... Good Luck sol... But let's not forget Pantsil who is in the other semi with Ghana..
lcfc v lcfc final possibly but who would you support if it was Sol v John?”
by Norman09
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 10:10AM
“I think you will find Sol a different player when he finished his duties for his country. As there are plenty of other players ready to take his shirt. Sol in my opinion was one of Sven's better buys, out of the 13million quid he spent on players.”
by TonyCoach
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 9:44AM
“Ive watched all the Ivory Coast games and aint it amazing that with them Bamba does play as a decent defender, no taking risks by dribbling the ball out of defence, stays in the back 4 and doesnt wander off into the oppositions box except for corners, looks quite a good player when doing his duties, why cant he do this while playing fo Leicester City ????”