Cote d’Ivoire fans cautiously optimistic while predicting 2012 Afcon victory

The Elephants supporters in Libreville are growing in number as the 2012 Afcon final approaches, with many fans excited and confident of witnessing a long-awaited triumph

11 Feb 2012 13:00:00

More On :  Ivory Coast, Zambia, Zambia vs Ivory Coast
Romaric - Ivory Coast (Getty Images)
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By Kingsley Kobo in Libreville

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its climax and the two finalists that have earned the right to play in the title match are Zambia and Cote d'Ivoire. The Elephants will be looking to crown a dominant display at the 2012 tournament with the trophy, and their fans will be expecting the same.
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Goal.com spoke to Cote d’Ivoire fans in Libreville ahead of Sunday’s 2012 Afcon final between the Elephants and the Chipolopolo of Zambia. Below are some reactions.


Afcon 2012 | Cote d'Ivoire fans are keen to put champagne on ice
"The trophy will foster unity in Cote d'Ivoire"

Tatiana Marie Akou from Abidjan revealed: "We are happy to reach the final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Our team has been very prudent, because of lessons from the past.

"Now, it is time to make it happen. We are very confident ahead of Sunday’s game not just because our players are talented, but because we know they are conscious of the fact that the trophy will foster reconciliation and unity in our war-torn nation.

"We believe we will make it on Sunday and Africans will come celebrate with us for a well-merited and long-due victory.
"The players know what Ivorians want"

Hassan Jule of Abidjan said: "I am of Lebanese decent, but I was born and raised in Cote d’Ivoire, which is the only country I know today. My heart really beats for the Elephants.

"It’d be a worthwhile victory if Drogba & Co could make it this time because they have been labouring for it.

"And I like their cool-headed attitude this time, which shows that they know what they and the people want."


"I would have feared Ghana more than Zambia"

From the capital, Abidjan, Josiane Ahou said: "I was scared Cote d’Ivoire would meet Ghana in the final.

"The Black Stars were a very strong side, but they missed it against Zambia.

"Now that the Elephants will face the Chipolopolo, I’m no longer nervous because I feel we are slightly on top of them statistically and the ambitions and rage are more on our side. So I expect at least a 2-0 win over Zambia on Sunday."

 


Orange, White & Green | Colours Ivorians will fly at the Amitie Stadium on Sunday
"Zambians are drawing wide sympathy"

Kone Siaka from Abidjan added: "I expect a tough encounter, because Zambia will not be an easy side to play. And being that they are currently pulling sympathy from here and there because of the 1993 plane crash here in Libreville, they will tend to live up to expectation.

"But the Elephants are equal to the task. We have an elastic midfield capable of containing and countering the agitations of the Chipolopolo’s forwards."

"Cote d'Ivoire should watch their back"

Abdulahi Coulibaly in Libreville told Goal.com: "I am a Chelsea supporter. I have two idols playing with the Elephants – Drogba and Kalou – so, Sunday’s match is going to be another English Premier League being exported to Gabon.

"I predict 3-0 for Cote d’Ivoire, but I must advise them to watch their back, because Zambia players have shown us they have stamina like the Asians and can fight you till the final whistle."

 

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