2010 The Year The Ivory Coast End Their

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Ever since Didier Drogbas equaliser restored parity in their qualification clash with Malawi, almost nineteen million Elephants have been looking forward to the 2010 African Cup of Nations. And why shouldnt they? Arguably entitled as pre-tournament favourites, the Ivory Coast, or Cote dIvoire as some like to say, can be labelled as an entertaining, star-studded team.Excitement isnt the only emotion felt though, with strong feelings of hope and anxiety displayed amongst their followers. With Egypts 4-1 annihilation of the Ivoirians still fresh Seattle Seahawks Jersey in their mindset, some supporters are cautious as to how they should approach the prestigious event. Kouadio Jean Jacque told goal.com, Lets go back to Egypt 2006. Who was banking hopes on them? Nobody! But they went through to the final. And then see what happened at Ghana 2008. The whole nation, even our pets, strongly believed that Drogba and his friends would lift the Cup. But you saw how they me sed up.Excited?! You bet they are...And thats a fair perspective of how pre sure can affect even the best of players. Without succe s in this tournament since 1992, many would argue that the Ivory Coast needs a win, to prove their credentials as Africas best team. Since that rememberable penalty shootout epic against Ghana, the Elephants have done nothing but disappoint. Round Duane Brown Jersey One exits in 1996, 2000, and 2002 were unexpected, and the failure to qualify in 2004 just plain embarra sing. However, heartbreaking defeats to Egypt and Ghana at the latter stages, in 2004 and 2006 respectively, have given the Ivoirians a reputation as one of the nations to be feared at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations.Qualification came with relevant ease for the Elephants, with a bye in round one. Grouped with Mozambique, Madagascar and Botswana, the Ivory Coast came through undefeated, conceding only two goals in the proce s. Efficient 4-0 and 3-0 victories over Botswana and Madagascar respectively were highly impre sive, although the inability to pick up Jarran Reed Jersey a single away win was described at the time by coach Vahid Halilhodi? as slightly worrying. However, any worries Halilhodi? had were rectified in round three, with undoubtedly the most impre sive qualifying campaign of the stage. Once again, the Cote dIvoire excelled at home, with outstanding performances against Burkina Faso (null-0), Guinea (null-0), and Malawi (null-0). But, notably, performances away from the Stade Flix Houphout-Boigny improved rapidly, proving victorious in Burkina Faso and Guinea, and after the aforementioned Drogba equaliser in Malawi, qualification was confirmed. Didier Drobga and Saloman Kalou - the most fearful forward pairing at the African Cup of Nations?However, the draw for the main event, which starts on January 10th, did not prove to be favourable for the Ivoirians. Qualification for the latter stages is no longer a foregone conclusion, after they were grouped with Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Togo. The Ivory Coasts first encounter is against Burkina Faso, who were no match for them during the qualifying phase. Despite this, Paulo Duartes side will be trying Cortez Kennedy Jersey to cause a shock early on, with Al-Khors striker Moumouni Dagano pin-pointed as the main attacking threat. Next up for the Elephants are Ghana, one of the perennial favourites to win the event. With top-drawer players such as Michael E sien and Kwadwo Asamoah amongst their ranks, the Black Stars will prove to be tough to break down. However, Ghana almost didnt even get to this stage, after embarra sing defeats to Libya and Gabon left them top of their qualifying group only on the virtue of goal difference. The Ivoirians last group encounter is against Togo, who many describe as a one-man show, in Man Citys Emmanuel Adebayor. Since their achievements at the 2006 World Cup, Togo have Tedric Thompson Jersey found succe s hard to come by, with qualification only secured in their last game amid court appeals to FIFA over a walk-over given to Gabon, after Abdul Mamah was included in their starting line-up despite suspension.Halilhodi? and the Ivoirian fans will be hoping for scenes like these on January 31stIn hindsight, Halilhodi?s side are tipped to perform well at the African Cup of Nations. The Ivoirians should get out of their group, although whether this will be in first or second place can be disputed. Seeded to meet Angola or Mali in the quarter-finals, many expect them to reach the semi-finals at least, where depending on their group position, they should either face Egypt or Cameroon. Can Drogbas side go all the way? Its about time they had some succe s