The redemption after a sabbatical year
On November 26, 2024, the world collapsed around Karim Konaté who, after 16 minutes of play against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League, left his teammates, injured knee. The examinations then revealed that the former center forward of ASEC Mimosas suffered a rupture of the cruciate ligament in the knee and had to undergo surgery.
The young Ivorian striker went through this dark period and had to suffer, work and wait before seeing the end of the tunnel. It was only on the 27th of November, a little more than a year after this nasty injury that Konaté returned to the pitch, coming into play in the 81st minute of a (4-1) defeat by Salzburg against Bologna in the Europa League, like a symbol.
Since then, Karim Konaté has played 9 matches including 4 as a starter and he regained confidence in goal. The twirling Ivorian striker scored 4 goals, including 3 in his last two games, thus confirming his return to the forefront and renewed pleasure. Good news for the RB Salzburg, but especially for his country, Côte d’Ivoire.
Karim Konaté, new leading option for Faé
Emerse Faé and his staff must be the most happy with this revival of form from Karim Konaté who has not played in the national team since November 19, 2024, and the victory (4-0) against Chad in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Indeed, the Elephants still haven’t found this regular centre-forward that can bring stability to the front of the attack. Whether it is Evann Guessand, Vakoun Bayo, Sébastien Haller, Oumar Diakité or even Wilfried Zaha who was recalled during the last AFCON in Morocco, none has managed to end the debate and is moreover not as confident as Karim Konaté at the moment.
For Emerse Faé and his staff, it is one more option to try in March ahead of the World Cup this summer when tickets will be expensive. Karim Konaté, often a substitute under the new coach’s orders, has a card to play if he is called back this month for the last international break before the World Cup. The Elephants will play two friendly matches during this truce, against South Korea and Scotland in England.