One of Ivory Coast's most important players has revealed why he walked down the tunnel and back to his team's dressing room after being substituted during his side's semi-final victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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In a team that has perhaps been largely unimpressive during the Africa Cup of Nations, Seko Fofana has been one of the exceptions for the host nation.
The all-action box-to-box midfielder has taken his form from RC Lens and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr into the continental showpiece and has continued his rich vein of form.
Against DR Congo, Fofana put in yet another solid performance but was substituted off by Elephants boss Emerse Fae in the 61st minute.
However, instead of going to the bench, the 28-year-old went straight down the tunnel back to the changing room.
While many presumed the midfielder might have been angry about being taken off in the crunch encounter, the Paris-born player, who recently joined Al Ettifaq on loan from Al Nassr but is yet to play for Steven Gerrard's club, has since clarified the situation.
"No, it's not a matter of being angry, I was just going into the change room to change everything," he told members of the press in the mixed zone at the stadium after the match.
"I had confidence in my partners and now I'm very happy because today the most important thing is the victory."
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Fofana will now prepare to face Nigeria again at this edition of the AFCON – Ivory Coast lost 1-0 to the Super Eagles in their second Group A game – but this time with the stakes much higher as they face off in the final.
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