Cote d'Ivoire striker Gervinho says it is always special to run out for the national team, but admits the players feel immense pressure to deliver the Africa Cup of Nations title.
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The Arsenal forward is currently in South Africa ahead of the Elephants' opening Group D clash against Togo on Tuesday, with the perennial pre-tournament favourites looking to repeat their 1992 success.
The Ivorians have twice failed at the final hurdle since that win, most recently in 2012, going down 8-7 on penalties to Zambia after 120 minutes had finished at 1-1.
And with the weight of the country once more on the squad members' shoulders, Gervinho is hoping this time they can give their compatriots the trophy they so desperately desire.
"It's always special with the national team because you don't have much time to work as a team or have enough matches to play," he told Arsenal's official website.
"But it's so important for the Ivorian people to win the Africa Cup of Nations that the pressure is massive. Everybody wants us to win and the expectations are immense.
"Everybody is in the stadium or in front of the TV and the whole country stops when we play. We have to stay focused and go all the way.
"All the big countries have pressure. As players we are used to it with our clubs. It's a different pressure because you can't make a mistake in a competition like the Africa Cup of Nations.
"Every year, we are strong. Last month, we played a friendly against Austria with a lot of new players and we won easily. So we have a lot of depth in our squad.
"We all play in big clubs and will arrive with a lot of confidence and momentum."
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