ECOWAS backs Ivory Coast to win Afcon trophy against Zambia
West African regional body, ECOWAS has officially thrown its weight and support behind the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire to win the 2012 Nations Cup in the final match against Zambia to be played today February 12, 2012 in Libreville, Gabon.
In a statement, ECOWAS said “When Cote D’Ivoire takes to the field in Libreville in the grand finale on 12 February, the entire West Africa will be rooting and praying for them to bring back the trophy.”
Ivory Coast, yet to concede a goal at the tourney is widely tipped as the favourite to win the trophy but the Zambian team which stunned Ghana at the semis, has a great fighting spirit.
The ECOWAS Commission also congratulated the Region’s national teams on their sterling performances at the tournament.
The Commission notes with pride that the Region produced seven of the sixteen teams at the tournament, with three (Ghana, Mali and Cote d’Ivoire) reaching the semi-final stage, while Cote d’Ivoire has made it all the way to the final without conceding a goal.
“The exploits of ‘Teams ECOWAS,’ coupled with their brilliance and exemplary demonstration of sportsmanship on the field, brought joy and pride to millions of Community citizens and once more confirmed the status of the Region as the powerhouse of African football,” it said.
By Ekow Quandzie