Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora will be appearing at his seventh Africa Cup of Nations finals and is intent on bringing home the trophy they last won in 1992.
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In 2012 the Ivorians were the firm favourites in a final that seemed likely to go only one way against underdogs Zambia, but against all odds the Southern African team held on for their first-ever continental title against the Elephants after winning 8-7 in a tense penalty shoot-out.
Zokora, the most-capped Ivorian player with over 135 appearances, was also part of the team when they were beaten by seven-time Africa Cup winners Egypt in the 2006 final, and Zokora is eager to put those near-misses to bed.
"It is true that in the past Ivorians were waiting for their trophy in Abidjan. We have not been able to satisfy them, but it is not for lack of trying," Zokora told the Ivory Coast's Football Association website.
"We leave to South Africa to conquer the tournament with the intention of winning it for our people because they deserve it, we deserve it.
"So I'm dreaming of having a big party with all the Ivory Coast people on the evening of February 11.
"I never imagined for a single moment that my career as a footballer would allow me to play in seven AFCONs and to accumulate more than 135 caps," said the Trabzonspor midfielder, who first played for the Elephants 12 years ago.
"I am only 32 years old and I can still play for another four years but my dearest wish is to see this career rewarded with an AFCON triumph."
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