Haller: How Ivory Coast debut helped rediscover form

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Nov 24, 2020. 16:00

New Ivory Coast star Sebastien Haller says he returned from his first international assignment with the Elephants oozing with confidence.

The towering marksman scored the only goal of the match as West Ham United recorded a 1-0 win in Sunday’s English Premier League match against Sheffield United.

It was his second goal in the Premier League this term and it comes after he made his debut for Ivory Coast during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar earlier this month.

Haller, who was born in France to a French father and an Ivorian mother, played for the European country at youth level, before pledging his international future to the Elephants this year.

“It feels great. For me it is the same, a goal is a goal, and I’m just happy for the goal. This one is from outside the box, so it is special,” Haller told the club’s official website.

“I’m happy for the team because today was a great fight and we got the three points which we needed.

“Of course for the confidence as a striker it’s really important [to score]. I came back from the national team, bringing the confidence back from that, so I hope it can help the team for the next games.”

The 24-year-old striker debuted for Ivory Coast in a 2-1 win over Madagascar on November 12, scoring his side’s game-winning goal in the 55th minute.

“I just know that at the training ground everyone is involved, giving their maximum in each session,” he added.

“It pushes everyone to the right direction and that’s why I think we’re here today [with the points]. We have a good attitude.”

Haller also featured for the Elephants as they drew 1-1 with Madagascar in Toamasina on November 17.