Red Devil Bailly seeks success with Ivory Coast

Recent Manchester United recruit Eric Bailly is part of the Ivory Coast squad hoping this weekend to secure a place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon. The 22-year-old centre-back joined the English Premier League outfit during the close season from Spanish La Liga side Villarreal in a reported $43.7 million (38.4 million euros) deal.     Bailly was the first signing by new Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho and has helped his club win three consecutive league matches at the start of the season.     On Saturday in Bouake his attention will switch to ensuring the ‘Elephants’ get a chance to defend the African title they won last year after a penalty shootout against Ghana.     Ivory Coast, ranked third in Africa behind Algeria and Ghana, need a draw against Sierra Leone to win Group I while a shock loss would eliminate the two-time champions.     Bailly is a likely starter, but Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure and striker Wilfried Bony were not chosen by 57-year-old French coach Michel Dussuyer.     Midfielder Toure, not a first choice since the close-season arrival of manager Pep Guardiola, last played for his country in the 2015 Cup of Nations final 19 months ago.     Bony, who has joined Stoke City on a season-long loan, is …

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