In the initial trio of matches in the spring segment of the HNL season, Hajduk had to resort to alternate players to fill the left back position. Their primary left back, Ismael Diallo, was instead seated on the bench for all matches of the African Cup of Nations, held in Ivory Coast. Despite his passive role, he successfully secured a new home and a sizable sum in his bank account!
The Ivory Coast football team emerged victorious in the African Championship on Sunday, defeating Nigeria 2-1. To celebrate this triumph, the government generously rewarded all players of the national team, regardless of their playing time. Diallo, who did not participate in any match, is set to receive 76 thousand euros and a villa of equivalent value.
The national team, alongside coach Emerse Fae, attended a reception hosted by President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Monday. They were bestowed with the national order, the highest honor for a citizen of the Ivory Coast. The Nigerians also received their share of rewards, with each player granted an apartment and a plot of land in Abuja. Additionally, the South African team that secured third place was presented with a monetary prize of 48,000 euros.
Regardless, Mislav Karoglan will no longer face the dilemma of choosing a player for the left flank. Despite Diallo’s forthcoming return, it remains uncertain when he will be available to play. Unlike his Hajduk teammates who enjoyed a winter hiatus, Diallo left for training for the African Cup immediately after the championship ended. It is likely that he will be given a few days of rest, which raises doubts about his readiness for the upcoming Rudeš match. Moreover, it may take him some time to acclimate to the colder weather conditions in Croatia, in sharp contrast to the warmer climate of the Ivory Coast.
