Cote D’Ivoire are top favourites to win Group H, and they have flawlessly upheld that status across the first and second rounds of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying by beating Rwanda 3-0 in Abidjan and humbling the Swallows of Burundi 1-0 in Bujumbura. Who’s next? Benin.
Benin have been matched up against Cote D’Ivoire many times in recent qualifiers, however, the Squirrels are yet to show any improvement, year after year, against the Elephants, who keep crushing them each time they meet.
Naturally, the Ivorian players see few hurdles as they engage the Benin side. Besides the largely favourable previews, the Ivorians want to measure their win in number of goals scored, to perhaps dispense some bliss to the agonizing Ivorian population stuck in an unprecedented political crisis for the last three months. Some players have mentioned this during a press conference in Accra.
The return of Chelsea’s talisman Didier Drogba will surely make a difference. Pundits suggest he intends to inspire the team to an exceptional victory over Benin, somewhat making up for his self-imposed retreat from the outfit since the end of the 2010 World Cup.
The absence of defence minister Manchester City’s Kolo Toure, who’s currently under suspension by his club, will most probably make no difference in the back half against a scattered Benin attacking line, unless they bring something new to show.
The playground this time does not really matter, as both teams are familiar with the Ghanaian environment. No home advantage for any.
Although Cote d’Ivoire seem to be humbly giving the Squirrels some estimations lately, the Elephants deep down are contemplating how big their win will be over the visitors.
A national assignment
Benin are set for the Cote D’Ivoire face-off despite the crisis rocking the Football Federation, which has not only affected the stability of the national team, but also the smooth running of the local league.
There are two FAs in Benin at the moment, one recognized by FIFA, the other enforced by former members of the original Executive Committee, who resigned last December following friction with the standing FA president.
Likewise, there are two national coaches, each appointed by the two opposing FAs. Consequently, there have been two national teams carrying out parallel preparations for the Cote D’Ivoire qualifier, but the Sports Ministry eventually chose to honour the roster presented by one of the coaches Fortuné Glèlè, who’s currently in Accra with his squad.
This situation will surely worsen the composure of the Squirrels, after some of the local members have suffered its consequences in league matches. How will they effectively pull themselves together to confront the giant Ivorian Elephants?
Coach Fortuné Glèlè, supported by the Sports Ministry, is aware of the fact that his mission down to Accra is mere accomplishment of a national assignment and not necessarily the zeal to win a match. The players too know they are not to be blamed for any hazardous eventuality while meeting a potentially strong and well-prepared Cote D'Ivoire team.
Benin are second in the group with 4 points, with hope of contending for the best loser spot if they don’t finish well here.
TEAM NEWS
Cote D’Ivoire
The Ivorian team has arrived in Accra, Ghana, and has been taking training sessions at a sport facility built by former France international and Ghanaian-born Marcel Desailly. The Toure brothers are absent - Kolo, due to his club’s suspension, while Yaya is yet to recover from an ankle injury. VfB Stuttgart left back Boka Arthur was dropped due to injury. Chelsea’s Didier Drogba is on board, and has promised to send joy to Ivorians via this match.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers : Gérard Gnanhouan (Vannes, France), Daniel Yeboah (ASEC Mimosas, Cote D’Ivoire), Ali Badra Sangaré (Séwé San Pedro, Cote D’Ivoire)
Defenders : Souleymane Bamba (Leicester, England), Didier Zokora (FC Sevilla, Spain), Siaka Tiéné (PSG, France), Benjamin Angouan Brou (Valenciennes, France), Guy Demel (Hambourg, Germany), Steve Gohouri (Wigan, England), Emmanuel Eboué (Arsenal, England)
Midfielders : Cheik Tioté (Newcastle, England), Romaric Ndri Koffi (FC Sevilla, Spain), Kafoumba Coulibaly (OGC Nice, France), Max Gradel (Leeds United, England)
Forwards: Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Gervinho (Lille, France), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Abdul Kader Kéita (Al Sadd Sport, Qatar), Adama Bakayoko (ASEC Mimosas, Cote D’Ivoire)
Benin
Coach Fortuné Glèlè says his squad is complete for the encounter.
SQUAD
Guillaume Bemenou, Tchomogo Seydath, Ahoueya Jocelyn, Reda Johnson, Mouritala Ogoubiyi, Sessegnon Stephane, Salomon Junior, Seka Arnauld, Louté Isaac, Fousseni Lazardi, Adenon Khaled, Immorou Emmanuel, Djimon Koukoui, Poté Michael, Omotoyossi Razack, Seidou Bazaré, Lanigan Daniel, Chrisostome Damien, Adanhoumé Gerard, Nouhoum Kobena, Allagbé Saturnin, Odilo Kenneth, Aoudou Mohammed, Lanigan Daniel
PREDICTION
Cote D’Ivoire are likely to win, but the number of goals will matter most to them than a mere victory.
Cote D’Ivoire 3-0 Benin
