Dider Drogba hoping for win against Benin to provide comfort for people of Ivory Coast

Didier Drogba – Ivory Coast (Getty Images)

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Didier Drogba believes it is imperative for the Ivory Coast to defeat Benin in tomorrow’s 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and give hope to his compatriots after recent conflict in the country.

The game will be played in Accra due to the bitter stand-off for the presidency which has seen upto a million people flee the country amid fears of post-election violence.

Chelsea’s Drogba spoke of his disappointment that the game could not be played in Abidjan but insisted victory is vital for more than just qualification purposes.

“Winning is not only important for qualification but also to give some comfort to our compatriots who are living through a difficult time at the moment,” the striker told FIFA.com.

“We would have preferred to play as scheduled in Abidjan in order to support our public but alas it was not to be. The match will not be easy. They are opponents we know well and who cause us problems. But we have to win.”

The Elephants currently lead Group H after victories over Rwanda and Burundi, although Sunday’s game against Benin should prove to be the side’s toughest group game to date.