Sports
glory when it appeared easier to qualify. Agony for the Warriors faithful who, for one reason or the other, continue to support the national team and fork out their hard-earned money to watch their beloved team, despite the continuous failures. Notwithstanding the Warriors’ absence at Afcon 2013, Zimbabweans still have the consolation of temporarily switching allegiance for the three-week duration of the tournament, and as has been the case for the past six or so years, de facto Cote d’ Ivoire fans will be shouting their lungs out in sports bars across Zimbabwe.
tournament. H o w e v e r, fellow West A f r i c a n s
F
Last chance saloon for Drogba
avourites once again and the Parade’s pick to win the
Ghana and Nigeria should run them close, while North African giants Tunisia, who reached the final of the tournament when it was last held in South Africa in 1996, could also be in with a shout. Defending champions Zambia cannot be ruled out either, given that they have retained essentially the same team they had from last year’s triumphant campaign. However, just like what happened when Drogba inspired Chelsea to an unlikely victory in the Uefa Champions League final last year, one gets the feeling that this
tournament is one that The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire just have got to win. They have waited long enough. After losing in the final in the 2006 and 2012 editions of the tournament, Afcon 2013 represents a final shot at glory for Cote d’ Ivoire’s golden generation of players, most of whom will be well past their sellby date when Morocco hosts the 30th edition of the tournament in 2015. After winning the Uefa Champions League crown with Chelsea last May, Didier Drogba knows that once big piece is still missing from his collection of silverware that include three Barclays Premier League winner’s medals, FA Cup winner’s medals, the League Cup, and the African Footballer of the Year trophy. It is that elusive Africa Cup of Nations winner’s medal that is missing and for him and several of his decorated teammates such as Kolo Toure – who was part of the famous Arsenal ‘invincibles’ of 2003 (remember them?) – It’s now or never! Cote d’ Ivoire have only won the tournament once before – in 1992 when they beat Ghana 11-10 after a penalty shoot-out. February 2013 Page 85
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