Few, if any, would have guessed that newly promoted SC Gagnoa should lead the Ivorian Ligue 1 2012-2013 after eight rounds. SC Gagnoa uses a smart mix of experienced players and young, ambitious players. As most players are rather unknown to the world of football, I have written a short presentation of the players I can document has played at least one match so far this season.
The picture was found on news.abidjan.net.
OLAOLU ADEBAYO
Nigerian striker who played for Gateway FC during the Nigeria National League 2012. Adebayo has scored one goal so far this season.
GUY ROLAND ANGOLAH AMANIE
Big centre-back. The following video shows glimpses of his qualities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nJbUyvVSd8. Angolah Amanie has scored one goal so far this season, a header from close range against ES Bingerville on 04.11.2012.
OUSMANE BAGAYOKO
Midfielder. I suspect that this is the same “Ousmane Bagayoko” that played for SC Gagnoa back in 2005.
ABOUBACAR BAMBA
Defender who plays regularly. I am currently trying to find more information about the player.
ROMAIN BAYO
Interesting midfielder who plays regularly.
FRANCK DALI OKAHUÉ
Veteran striker, born 16.07.1984, with a lot of top level experience. Dali Okahué has played for ASEC Mimosas, SO Armée, Issia Wazi FC and Stade d’Abidjan.
OUMAR DIALLO
Diallo, formerly of SO Armée, has scored one goal so far this season.
MARVIS GOHI BOBLAY
Experienced attacker, formerly of FC Lagoké, Séwé Sport and ASI Abengourou.
ARNAUD GNABRO ZEGA
Attacker, formerly of EFYM.
LÉBÉ GNAHOUA
Veteran striker / right-winger, well known for his performances at Africa Sports. Gnahoua, most likely about 30 years old, played for SC Gagnoa back in 2005.
MENARD MICHEL GOURI
According to trustworthy reports, Gouri is a highly promising right-back.
LADJI KARAMOKO
Excellent goalkeeper. In 2011, Karamoko won the “Meilleur gardien” award for his performances at second level side AS AGIR Guibéroua. In 2012, Karamoko won the same award for his performances at SC Gagnoa. In other words, Karamoko was a key player when SC Gagnoa won promotion last season.
JEAN FRANCIS KASSI MALAN
At the time of writing, veteran striker Kassi Malan is top scorer in the Ivorian Ligue 1 2012-2013, having scored six goals during the first eight matches.
His two goals against ASEC Mimosas on 02.12.2012 can be watched here: http://www.ligue1-ci.com/videos/resume-asec-mimosas-gagnoa-journee5/.
The video shows a typical “fox-in-the-box”, as Kassi Malan uses raw determination to tap in from close range. Kassi Malan is a big, lanky striker who uses his strenght effectively. Kassi Malan was part of the Ivory Coast U-23 national football team in 2004, making it likely that he is approximately 30 years old. Kassi Malan has played for several Ivorian clubs and played a big role when Séwé Sport won relegation to the Ivorian Ligue 1 back in 2003.
TOUSSAINT KONAN
Rather unknown player to me.
KASSIM KONÉ
The veteran goalkeeper, born 11.12.1982, is a former player of Séwé Sport, ASEC Mimosas and Issia Wazi FC. Koné fights hard with Karamoko for the number one shirt.
GUILLAUME YAO KOUADIO
After last season, talented playmaker Kouadio won a nomination for the Ligue 2 “Meilleur joueur” award”.
MELANIE ODILON KOUAKOU KONAN
Lively attacker, born 18.04.1990. A former player of Olympic Sport d’Abobo and ASI Abengourou. Kouakou Konan has scored one goal so far this season.
JEAN NOËL SAHIÉ GROYOU
Towering centre-back, born 20.12.1987. Formerly of SO Armée and Issia Wazi FC. Sahié Groyou is a key player for SC Gagnoa and has scored one goal so far this season.
JEAN SERGE SERY DOGO
One of the revelations of the season. The experienced Sery Dogo, born 01.02.1981, has scored four goals so far this season, including three absolutely wonderful free-kicks. Sery Dogo, primarily an attacking midfielder, starred for ASC Ouragahio for at least four seasons.
ADAMA SYLLA
Interesting midfielder who has scored one goal so far this season. I am currently trying to find more information about this player.
YVES MARTINIEN YAO KOUASSI
Regular defender. I am currently trying to find more information about this player.
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