Cote d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui: My job will be complete with 2012 AFCON title

The 51-year-old believes the opportune time has come for a generation which has failed several times to make amends by winning the continental prize.

Feb 12, 2012 7:22:00 AM

By Kent Mensah

More On :  Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia
Cote d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui says that winning the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title is the only thing that could make him and his side happy.

The Elephants will face the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Sunday in the final in Libreville, Gabon. A win will give the west Africans their second trophy in 20 years while a defeat means a maiden continental cup for the southern Africans.
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Coach Zahoui has been satisfied with his charges, who have yet to concede a goal or record a defeat in the 28th edition of the continental showpiece.
 
“We took a giant step by reaching the grand final and my joy will be complete when we win the title,” he told the press. “We are just one step away from that feat.
 
“Achieving this success is the result of hard work from all stakeholders - the Football Association, supporters, technical staff and playing body. I’m lucky to have these talented and experienced players having participated in the last three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. I can see determination in their eyes. They want to lift the trophy.”
 
The 51-year-old coach hopes the Didier Drogba-led Elephants will cap their winning spree with a resounding victory on Sunday night.
 
“If you want to win the title, you have to keep winning. It’s not about performing exceptionally. The most important thing is winning.
 
“We came here for that and have the experience to achieve it. The pitch will decide and the results are our target. We have won all our matches and we are left with the key game,” Zahoui said.
 
The local coach added, “My players are ready and highly motivated to win the title. This generation has failed several times and now they have the chance.”

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