It’s time for the Elephants to rule

Twenty one years ago, that’s the last time the Ivory Coast won their only Africa Cup of Nations trophy, fast forward to 2013 and after impressive performances in the group stage, the Elephants have the chance to add to their solitary title. Having been drawn in group D along with Togo, Algeria, and Tunisia, Ivory Coast have been very impressive in all games. They even deployed a virtually second eleven against Algeria and still crawled back from 2-0 down to level (2-2) and earn a point.With the quarterfinals in mind, the Elephants chose to rest; Yaya Toure, Isiaka Tiene and Cheik Tiote. During the game, Didier Drogba was given chance to shape up his unconvincing form ahead of their game with the Super Eagles on Sunday.After Ivory Coast had gone two goals down in the second half of the game against Algeria, Drogba struck a thunderous header to bring the Ivorians back into the game.The Elephants drew level on 2-2 goals four minutes later through, Wilfred Bony. This game just showed the strength of the Elephants squad in depth.They are very consistent with rich experience from elite leagues in Europe. They beat Togo by 2-1 during their first game and an improved side thrashed Tunisia by 3-0 goals.The Ivorian golden generation has been so close to win the AFCON silverware but has failed on two big occasions against Egypt in 2006 and Zambia in 2012 AFCON final game.The current elephant’s squad is widely regarded as having the most talented group of players at the Africa Cup of Nations, and they are hot favorites to win the tournament.This time round pressure to deliver in South Africa is even higher with an experienced Ghana side also vying for the top accolade. Ivory Coast plays against Nigeria this Sunday and based on recent performances, the elephants are a better side than flying eagles.The super eagles have not yet recovered their brilliant performance from 1990s and are underdogs come the knockout phase this weekend.The super eagles drew with Burkina Faso and Zambia before they edged past CECAFA representatives Ethiopia by 2-0. Though the super eagles are comprised of Europe based professionals, they lack experience to enable them clinch title in South Africa.Chelsea duo Obi Mikel and Victor Moses are the focal players for the Super Eagles but both have been far from impressive so far.Moses has not produced brilliance shown at Chelsea simply because there is no Juan Mata, Edin Hazard and Oscar to provide direct passes.