كتب : Omar AbdelAziz
Boosted by a star-studded squad, Ivory Coast are considered major contenders to grab the title in Angola this year, an honor they have only achieved in 1992.
Fine players like Abdoulaye Traore, Joel Tiehi and legendary keeper Alain Gouamene inspired Ivory Coast's triumph in Senegal, but now there are some world class talents ready to inspire the Elephants.
The number of Europe-based players in Vahid Halilhodzic's 23-man list demonstrates the quality of the squad the Bosnian has in possession.
Only reserve goalkeeper Vincent Angban from ASEC Mimosas plies his trade inside at home.
Reaching the World Cup twice in a row is an achievement that speaks for itself for this generation of players, led by Didier Drogba and the Toure brothers.
Drogba and Co. finished second and fourth respectively in the previous two CAN finals, yet it can be considered as an underachievement by their standards.
Now the 'Top Drog' is set for his last Nations Cup appearance, which seems to be a perfect timing to bring home a second African title for his nation.
No complacency
Drogba, skippering Ivory Coast for the second successive Nations Cup, vows to avert the lapses that prevented his side from glory two years ago.
"I think I’m in great form as we head for my last Nations Cup," the Chelsea hitman said.
"From the bottom of my heart, I’m desirous to come back from Angola with a glorious result to give joy to the Ivorian people," Drogba said. "To this end, my team-mates and I will be sweating it out as much as we can.
"We’ll be treating every team coming our way this time around with respect, humility and seriousness.
"No more room for complacency like in Ghana 2008. No game is won in advance," he added.
The only side that managed to deny the Ivorians in 2006 and 2008 was Egypt, who went on to clinch the title twice in a row.
Four years ago, the Elephants lost the final on penalties in Cairo, before being soundly beaten 4-1 by the Pharaohs in the semi-final two years later.