Saturday, January 21, 2012

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22.01. (Sun) 18:00 Ivory Coast - Sudan

The Elephants Of Ivory Coast Training

PROBABLE LINEUPS

COTE D'IVOIRE


Barry
Eboue, Kolo Toure, Boka, Tiene
 Zokora, Yaya Toure, Tiote
Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho
SUDAN

 
Mohjob
Khaliefa, Al Basha, Massawi, Mosab
Badreldien, Hamed, Kamal, Yousif
   Mudather, Agab
On paper, many believe that Cote d’Ivoire will need only to show up for this game against Sudan and they will be assured of victory. They have one of the best strikeforces in the competition and the reigning African footballer of the year leading their midfield.
True to their name, the Elephants are a team that make others shiver at the thought of their array of stars. Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Yaya Toure, and Gervinho are among a slew of players who can cause a headache for opposition coaches. However, the Ivorians have been known to crumble when it matters most.
The Sudanese come into this game with the confidence gained from surviving in a qualifying group that included Ghana, which they gave a tough time. The Falcons of Jediane will be filled with pride and will feel that they can stand up to any opposition on their day.
Unlike the other teams at this tournament, Sudan will be the only one drawing players exclusively from their domestic league as they look to replicate the form that saw their team progress to the semi-finals of the 2011 Africa Championship of Nations (Chan), which they hosted last January. This cohesion could be the key that will help them withstand the Elephants’ charge.
DID YOU KNOW?


  • Both teams have won the Afcon title once before. Sudan took the trophy it in 1970 and Cote d'Ivoire were victorious in 1992.
  • Sudan have not progressed past the first round in three attempts since their 1970 victory.
  • Cote d'Ivoire are among the favourites for this tournament alongside Senegal and Ghana.
  • Since their 1992 triumph, the Ivorians have only progressed as far as the final once, when they lost to Egypt in 2006.
  • While Fifa ranks the Elephants 18th in world football, the Falcons are placed 120th on the global list.
  • This tournament could be the final opportunity for the 'golden generation' of Cote d'Ivoire to write their names in gold.
Prediction
The Elephants are one of the strongest teams at the tournament and, as favourites, they will be expected to thrash the east Africans and begin their campaign comfortably.
Editor's Prediction
Cote d'Ivoire 3-0 Sudan