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Cote d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba eager to kick off Africa Cup of Nations campaign
The Chelsea striker revealed he is looking forward to the tournament, and sent out a warning to his nation's rivals ahead of their first match against Sudan on Sunday
22-Jan-2012 9:31:10 AM
By Livio Caferoglu
Cote d'Ivoire captain Didier Drogba has expressed his optimism ahead of his country's meeting with Sudan to open their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Francois Zahoui's men go into the tournament as favourites, after finding themselves as Africa's highest-placed team in the Fifa World Rankings, and their talismanic striker has echoed the positivity surrounding his side's camp.
"We are eager to do battle," said Drogba to France Football. "It will be a good match.
"We respect all of our opponents, but now it is Cote d'Ivoire's time and we will do everything to win. Everyone is healthy and fit."
Kick-off between the Group B nations at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo is scheduled for 17.00CET.
Francois Zahoui's men go into the tournament as favourites, after finding themselves as Africa's highest-placed team in the Fifa World Rankings, and their talismanic striker has echoed the positivity surrounding his side's camp.
"We are eager to do battle," said Drogba to France Football. "It will be a good match.
"We respect all of our opponents, but now it is Cote d'Ivoire's time and we will do everything to win. Everyone is healthy and fit."
Kick-off between the Group B nations at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo is scheduled for 17.00CET.
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