THE Ivory Coast are the favourites for the Africa Cup of Nations – and rightly so.
The defending champions face former coach Herve Renard after being drawn against Morocco in the group stage.
Long-time talisman Yaya Toure has retired from internationals, along with brother Kolo – but they still look very strong.
Who are Ivory Coast’s best players?
Eric Bailly, centre-half, Manchester United
Bailly made a fine start to his Manchester United career this season, before being injured with knee ligament damage in the 4-0 drubbing against Chelsea.
However, he is ahead of schedule, and could prove a welcome return to Jose Mourinho’s inconsistent backline at Old Trafford.
Gervinho, striker, Hebei China Fortune
He has had a chequered career so far, but you might forget Gervinho is only 29.
He had an unsuccessful spell at Arsenal between 2011-13 following spells in Germany and France.
Three years were spent in Italy playing for Roma before the Ivorian made a surprise £18million switch, and a decent wage packet, to Chinese club Hebei China Fortune.
He has 20 goals in 71 games for his country.
Serge Aurier, full-back, Paris Saint-Germain
The Paris Saint-Germain defender is seen as one of his country’s brightest talents, and he has firmly established himself as first-choice right-back for club and country.
He has, however, had disciplinary problems, after allegedly calling team-mate Angel di Maria a “clown”, for which he was suspended.
Which Ivory Coast players are from the Premier League?
Eric Bailly, centre-half, Manchester United
Wilfried Bony, striker, Stoke City, (on loan from Manchester City)
Lamine Kone, centre-half, Sunderland
Max Gradel, winger, Bournemouth
Jonathan Kodjia, striker, Aston Villa
Arouna Kone is still at Everton, having been signed by his old Wigan boss Roberto Martinez,.
Lamine Kone is well respected at Sunderland, while Max Gradel is enjoying a great season with Bournemouth.
How did Ivory Coast qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations?
A hard earned 1-1 home victory against Sierre Leone finally did the trick thanks to an acrobatic goal from Aston Villa centre forward Jonathan Kodjia.
Ivory Coast topped their group but actually failed to score more than once in any of their matches.
Hence they boasted three top scorers in Gervinho, Max Gradel and Jonathan Kodjia, all on one goal.
Who is the manager of Ivory Coast?
Frenchman Michel Dussuyer, 57, formerly bossed Guinea between 2010-15, taking them to the quarter-finals of the 2015 tournament.
He was previously an assistant coach to Henri Michel for the Ivory Coast in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.
What is Ivory Coast's history in the ACN?
The Ivory Coast won a thrilling final in 2015 when they beat Ghana 9-8 on penalties, the teams having been stuck on 0-0 after 90 minutes of extra time.
The match was decided by goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, who saved an attempt from Ghana keeper Brimah Razak and then scored past Razak himself to bag the title.
They were third in 1965, 1968, 1986 and 1994, and runners-up in 2006.
The Elephants have qualified for three consecutive World Cups but have yet to advance beyond the group stage.
What are Ivory Coast's odds in the ACN?
The Elephants are 7-2 to successfully defend their title according to Sun Bets (get the latest). The tournament favourites will have their work cut out - the line-up for the finals is very strong, with eight previous winners and only Zimbabwe having failed to reach the quarter-finals.
But they'll be well fancied, especially as they have arranged for their players to link up for a pre-tournament training camp in France from January 12 - earlier than anyone else.
This won't please the Premier League managers but gives the Elephants an even greater chance of glory.
Source: The Sun