Cote d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba: Don’t call us favourites against Mali

Cote d’Ivoire will face off against Mali on Wednesday in the second semi-final match of the ongoing 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Many analysts have tipped the Elephants to prevail over the Eagles, by virtue of talent, experience and historic advantage, but Ivorian skipper Didier Drogba told Goal.com on Tuesday that such an analysis might be incorrect.

“Games change, times change. Don’t always judge a team based on its past performances,” Drogba said.

“We train, play and learn everyday, so no team is static. Mali are a very strong side and we respect them. They have reached the semi-finals due to their strength, quality and competitiveness. So, they can play us like any other tough team would do.”

Mali won their quarter-final challenge against Gabon on Sunday in a penalty shootout and now aspire to stand up against the star-studded Ivorian team on Wednesday despite unfavourable predictions, but many fear that fatigue from their previous encounter could worsen their stance in the game.

“That’s what some think, but three days are enough for the team to recuperate and be fully set to play us,” the Ivorian captain said.