The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, and those taking part are keen to begin their run in the tournament, with an eye on the ultimate prize.
The 2012 Afcon takes place from 21 January to February 12, and it is to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Some teams will be experiencing their first participation at the competition, while others will be aiming to write their names in the record books as Africa’s best when the final takes place at the Stade d’Angondje in Libreville on February 12.
Goal.com introduces you to the 16 teams that will be taking part in this highly-anticipated competition. Here we profile the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire.
| Previous Appearances: |
1965, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988,1990, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010 |
| Best Performance: |
Winner: 1992 |
| HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR AFCON 2012 |
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GROUP H WINNER Pitted up against Benin, Burundi and Rwanda in Afcon qualification in Group H, Cote D’Ivoire won all of their games to collect a total of 18 points, with 19 goals scored and only four conceded during the campaign. The Elephants sealed their qualification early on in the fourth round, easily clinching top spot in the group. |
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The 49-year-old former Cote D’Ivoire international, who succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson, began his tenure by leading the Elephants to a 1-0 friendly win over Italy in a London in August 2010. But he has yet to really prove whether he is the man behind the team’s recent successes, or if the star players are the main influence. |
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After helping the Elephants to their first World Cup finals appearance in 2006, Drogba remains the team’s top scorer with 50 strikes, but he owes the Ivorian people one thing – an Afcon title. And with the nation’s best generation of footballers built around him, 2012 is another opportunity to deliver. |
| Gervinho has emerged to embody hope and optimism for Ivorian football, thanks to his consistent goal-scoring form and immaculate assists. The Arsenal forward will likely be a thorn in the flesh of many teams during the 2012 showpiece if he’s ignored in favour of Drogba, as has often happened in the past. |
| SEYDOU DOUMBIA | Young Talent |
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The joint second top scorer in the 2011-12 group stages of the Uefa Champions League and the leading marksman in the Russian top flight, the CSKA Moscow rising star has evinced much deftness in front of goal across his clubs, totalling 50 goals within two seasons at Young Boys and 24 already at CSKA. His speed, strength and bullet strikes are reminiscent of Drogba’s qualities. |
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Cote D’Ivoire adhere to the 4-3-3 formation, with much focus on the attacking line manned by Drogba and flanked by Kalou and Gervinho, with Doumbia on standby. Yaya and Zokora control the midfield to win as many balls as possible, while Kolo, Boka and Siaka are there to safeguard the backline. |
(4-3-3) |