AFCON 2025: No one is trying to be a hero â?? Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has stressed that a culture of collective sacrifice, where "no one is trying to be the hero," is the key to Ivory Coast's formidable title defence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The remarks came after another stellar individual performance saw him named Man of the Match for the third consecutive game in a commanding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

Despite scoring one goal and setting up another in the round of 16 win, Diallo was adamant that personal accolades are irrelevant compared to the team's objective. "No one is trying to be the hero or to shine individually for the country," he stated firmly after the match. "If I have the chance to make the pass, I do it. It's instinctive; I give him the ball. That's how we play."

Diallo elaborated on the selfless environment that has propelled the Elephants into the quarter-finals, highlighting the squad's unity.

"We fought together as a team. Everyone is focused on contributing in whatever way they can," he explained. "There is also a real chemistry on the pitch, a closeness between us that makes our play more fluid. There is a genuine connection, a certain rhythm in the way we play."

This team-first philosophy will face its toughest test yet when Ivory Coast meets record champions Egypt in a blockbuster quarter-final clash on Saturday, January 10. For Diallo and his teammates, their shared rhythm and rejection of individual heroics remain their greatest strength as they aim to continue their impressive run.

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