Lagos, Nigeria - Ivorian coach Francois Zahoui is looking forward to a resounding victory against Benin this weekend in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as the biggest gift to Ivorians at this ‘difficult’ time, according to the media outlet of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Friday. The Group H encounter will now take place in Accra, Ghana, other than Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, due to the current political situation there. But Zahoui told Cafonline.com that the Ivorian team was motivated by the state of events back home to give off their best for victory. “It is a very normal feeling of pain and sorrow at this time. It is a difficult period for the team and it is very important to remain focused on the game.

“It has given us extra motivation to win and bring joy to all Ivorians. Victory will mean a lot to the fans and the people of Cote d’Ivoire and we will do just that.”

Zahoui has masterminded a successful campaign so far with victories over Rwanda and Burundi, and has not played down the abilities of old foes, Benin, ahead of Sunday’s meeting.

“No team is easy to beat and it has always been difficult playing against Benin. We are very focused for the game and we know how to play for a win.”

The Elephants, who rest at the summit of Group H, will be without the Toure brothers; Yaya and Kolo, for the tie in neighbouring Ghana, whilst captain Didier Drogba makes a return for the first time in the campaign.

“Yaya and Kolo are key players, but the team is not built around individual players. Their absence will change some aspect of the team because all players do not have the same technical abilities.

“I believe the replacements will give off their best to achieve our objective – victory.”

The Elephants have been in Accra since Monday and have been training at the Lizzy’s Sports Complex, owned by Ghanaian-born former France captain Marcel Desailly, at East Legon, about 20 minutes from central Accra.

Rwanda hosts Burundi in the other Group H match in Kigali.

Pana 27/03/2011