Former Côte d'Ivoire captain, Didier Drogba has tipped the host nation to win the third Africa Cup of Nations title.
The last win by The Elephants came in 2015 after they beat Ghana 9-8 on penalties in the tournament hosted in Equatorial Guinea.
The legendary striker, who played for Chelsea football club in the English Premier League, said the team needed to fight since they are on home ground. He added that they need to give a good performance for the fans at home.
“We are going to fight. We are at home and we have to show that we can't only host the competition but also put in a good performance,” said the former Chelsea striker.
The team is placed in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Guinea Bissau and have three points from the two matches they have played. They play Editorial Guinea tonight to confirm a place in the quarters if they win.
They began with a perfect start to their campaign edging out Guinea Bissau 2-0 during the opening match of the tournament.
Nigeria, however, sank the hearts of the Ivorians after beating them 1-0 courtesy of a sole goal from William Troost scored from a penalty after Nigeria’s main man Victor Osimhen was fouled.
Drogba, however, called on the team to put their best foot forward and give good performances despite the tough teams in the competition.
“Côte d'Ivoire must perform. All the teams that are here deserve to be here; they have their chances so it is up to us to ensure we respect them but above all to show we can stand up to these teams,” he said.
Côte d'Ivoire have to overcome Equatorial Guinea in their final group game tonight to gain automatic qualification.
The former international cited that it will be a tough match against Equatorial Guinea who in some sense are the underdogs in the group.
“It’s going to be the celebration of African football with a team from Equatorial Guinea which progresses every year and we are happy to have them here. I saw they won their match, congratulations to them but it will be difficult against us,” he noted.
Côte d'Ivoire will be hoping for Guinea Bissau to upset Nigeria during their final group stage match as they also hope to win their match against a tough Equatorial Guinea to get a direct ticket into the round of 16.
