African Cup of Nations Spotlight: Ivory Coast's Fab Five

As the African Nations Cup kicks off in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea on January 21, 2012. The one team on everybody's mind to lift this trophy is Ivory Coast. They have a collection of players dominating global football at the club level. Let's take a look at why bookmakers are tipping this side to come good at the end of the tournament. Here are the fab five picks to make a difference for Ivory Coast


#1.Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

The mere mention of the skipper and talisman's name sends shivers down every defenders spine. However, this is not the English Premier League, where Drogba has bullied defenders with his strength, speed and dominance. This is Africa, where no single man is respected. He will need to work for everything he gets.


#2. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

African reigning footballer of the year is fired up and ready to go. Since moving from Barcelona to Manchester City last year, Yaha has grown in strength, skill and stature. If Didier Drogba is Ivory Coast's talisman today, Yaya Toure is clearly the country's next idol and future captain. Look for an explosive tournament for this talented African prince.


#3. Gervinho (Arsenal)

Skillful, slippery and lethal. Can break down any defense, operating from the wings. Not as prolific at scoring, but doesn't need to be. He's got Drogba and Kalou to do that for him.


#4. Cheik Tiote (Newcastle United)

Since taking the premier league by storm last year, Cheik Tiote is slowly becoming a household name in African football. An amazing midfield maestro with skill and composure, Tiote will use the ANC to announce  that it is time the world took him more seriously. Look for Tiote to attract a lot of transfer interest this January, even with him being miles away from his club at the tournament.


#5. Solomon Kalou (Chelsea)

While Kalou may not be playing regularly for Chelsea, don't be fooled. He's managed to keep up his scoring percentages, even with less time on the field. At the ANC, he will have more time to cause havoc. Watch out!