Ivorians pin hopes on unknown Bamba

ABIDJAN (Reuters) -- Ivorian coach Lama Bamba is something of an unknown at the top level of African soccer and his appearance at the helm of the Elephants will mark his African Nations Cup debut.

Unusually for African soccer but possibly following the example of the French, Bamba has gained promotion through the ranks of the federation, having previously served as coach of the country's under-20 team.

Bamba worked under Frenchman Patrick Parizon, who departed at the end of 2000 after just eight months as the Ivorian national coach.

Bamba took over last January and has posted an impressive record with just one defeat in 13 matches and the reverse suffered in a meaningless World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo when he fielded a second-string lineup.

Bamba has benefited from unprecedented logistical support for the Ivorian team over the last year, including several training camps in Nice in the south of France.

 

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