25 January 2008
Lagos — Elephants of Ivory Coast appear to have booked a place in the next stage of the Africa Nations Cup as they take on Group B underdogs, Squirrels of Benin in today's game at the Sekondi Stadium.
Having cleared the way with a lone goal victory over arch rival, Super Eagles in their opening game, the Didier Drogba-inspired side will go into today's game as favourites to be the first country to qualify in Group B with 6points.
The Elephants will be heavily supported in today's game like they enjoyed against Nigeria as their confident fans continue to troop in through the border after Monday's game.
Burstling with talents, Ivory Coast will once again enjoy the services of Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Didier Zokora and Bakaray Kone.
Chelsea's Didier Drogba who was pulled out in the game against Nigeria is expected to make a return, while Nigeria's punisher, Solomon Kalou will be on guide to trample on the Beninois.
However, the Squirrels have vowed not to bow out in the early stage of the championship without a fight. The team will hope to progress from the group stage but avoiding defeat in today's game would be a triumph.
Quite aware of this fact, Coach Reinhard Fabisch is likely to deploy another Nigerian-born Mouri Ogunbiyi and Roumald Boco in midfield in a bid to stifle the Elephants.
Up front, Razak Omotoyossi is a big-money move waiting to happen, having finished joint top scorer in last year's Swedish league for Helsingborgs, the Nigerian-born striker has space to burn and earn a point from this encounter.
The muscular 22-year-old may be the man with the magic wand for Squirrels.
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