African Sports Monthly Mar, 2015 | Page 45

celebrate our golden generation of footballers. Although a couple of new players have
joined us, the former bloc still remains.
Thirdly, we wanted to do it for our country, our people. Ivorians had known so many
disappointments at the competition. They no longer had that love and attention for their
national team. And even while we were leaving many felt we would return home after
the group stage. We wanted that love back so we could reconnect with our fans.
Fourthly, we wanted it to bring peace and unity to the country, where a 2011 armed
conflict is yet to be totally forgotten by victims. Football could reconcile the people and I
think the victory has done a great deal of that.
ASM: Yaya Toure captained the group this time, how was he different from Didier
Drogba?
Cheick Tioté: No big difference. Both men have charisma and are good motivators.
But what I can say was a plus this time was a higher determination, concentration and
perhaps prayers not to fail like in the past. I have played under both captains and I can
tell you they are good people and models.