COME ON IVORY COAST

By 40 Years A Blue
February 10 2006

'The Drog' goes for glory this afternoon as his Ivory Coast team take on the host nation Egypt in the final of the African Cup of Nations.

The two countries have already met in the group stage of the competition with Egypt beating 'The Elephants' 3-1, admittedly both teams being below full strength.

The game is a 74,000 sell-out, and the gates were due to open EIGHT HOURS before kick-off time and close THREE hours before the game starts. Kick-off is 4pm UK time and for news, scores and updates, details on the message board.

Certainly 'The Drog' has had an eventful Cup of Nations. He is 'The Elephants' captain, made a personal and passionate plea for the civil rioting to cease in his homeland, scoring the winning penalty in the marathon penalty shoot-out against team mate Geremi's Cameroon and scoring two other goals in the group stages.

Drogba has been quoted as saying in the pre-final build-up, "Quite simply I'd be really proud to win this Cup. Whether that's as a player or a captain, because a continental title means a great deal. It's a degree of recognition that comes just below that of the World Cup."

The Ivory Coast are looking for their second title win since the competition began in 1957. Their only win came in 1992 whereas Egypt are looking for their fifth competition win although they will have to do it without the services of Mido who was handed a six-month ban by the Egyptian FA after his rumblings in the semi-final with the coach, after being substituted.

Mido is on the bench for Egypt, but is unlikely to be involved.

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40 YEARS A BLUE!

COME ON IVORY COAST!