Ivory Coast and Sudan start the road to Africa Cup of Nations glory on Sunday when they square up in their Group B opener in Malabo.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has seemingly ruled out making the lucrative move to Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.
Man City defender Kolo Toure hopes winning the African Cup of Nations would give the whole of the Ivory Coast a boost.
Ahead of Saturday's big kick-off in the AFCON read our guides for each of the 16 participating nations.
Ivory Coast are just one of 16 teams set to contest the 2012 AFCON finals. This way for a full overview of Francois Zahoui's squad.
Arsene Wenger did not wish to 'go to war' with Ivory Coast national coach Francois Zahoui over the release of Gervinho.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has requested Yaya Toure joins up with the Ivory Coast squad late so he can play against Wigan.
Man City midfielder Yaya Toure admits to being left 'guilty and confused' as he attempts to juggle domestic and international commitments.
Former Manchester City skipper Kolo Toure claims he is being left out of the side for 'non-footballing' reasons.
Ghana and the Ivory Coast have been handed tough draws for the 2012 Africa Cup on Nations.
Italy grabbed a 2-1 win over world and European champions Spain in Bari.
Ivory Coast booked their place at next year's African Cup of Nations, but Egypt are on the brink of elimination.
Didier Drogba scored twice as the Ivory Coast maintained their 100 per cent record in African Nations Cup qualifying.
Max Gradel could win his first international cap after being called into Ivory Coast's squad to play Benin.
Sepp Blatter has given his backing to the idea of hosting the 2022 World Cup in January or February.
A packed programme of international fixtures saw a number of sides in action on Wednesday.
Didier Drogba has expressed his support to the Ivory Coast after travelling to his homeland.
Didier Drogba will never turn his back on the Ivory Coast despite missing out on their latest squad.
Skysports.com understands that Sven Goran Eriksson is back in contention to retake the Ivory Coast job.
New Italy coach Cesare Prandelli got off to a losing start after going 1-0 to Ivory Coast at at Upton Park.