Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba has applauded his team-mates for securing a semi-final berth at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chelsea striker insisted it was about time the Elephants broke their 20-year continental trophy drought, and he said sustaining the tempo will be key to earning them their second tournament prize.
Drogba missed a penalty in their quarter-final clash with co-hosts Equatorial Guinea but recovered quickly to slot in two goals to help his side over the line in a 3-0 result.
"My team-mates encouraged me and were very supportive," the 33-year-old Drogba said.
"I had to get back in the game and I owe them these goals. I'm glad I did it for them and I am proud of my team-mates."
"In 2006, we were in the final and lost. In 2008, we scored many goals but failed to reach the final. Here we have shown character."
Ivory Coast will square off with Mali on Wednesday for a spot in the final.
0 - 1 |
| # | Player | Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | S. Diakité | |
| 5 | C. Kanté | |
| 3 | A. Tamboura | |
| 4 | O. Berthé |
 6'
|
| 14 |
D. Diakité
|
|
| 12 | S. Kéita |
6'
|
| 15 | B. Traoré | |
| 18 |
S. Sow
|
|
| 20 | S. Diakité |
89'
|
| 6 |
M. Yatabaré
|
|
| 9 | C. Diabaté | |
| Coach: A. Giresse | ||
| # | Player | Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| 23 |
for D. Diakité 46' |
|
| 11 |
for M. Yatabaré 73' |
|
| 17 |
for S. Sow 83' |
|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 8 | ||
| 13 | ||
| 19 | ||
| 21 | ||
| 22 |
45+1'