The Elephants Stanpede!!

Ivory Coast and Ghana boast two of the strongest national teams on the African continent. Both teams are home to a host of local as well as European stars. Their match up in the African Nations Cup 2010 was billed not only as the match that would decide who is stronger but also as a precursor to which one of these powerhouses is most ready for the world cup to be played this summer.

Both teams have some good players on my ‘to watch’ list for this year's centre piece, the world cup. Gervinho, a young Ivorian midfielder who currently plays for Lille OSC in France is probably as explosive as they come. He possesses a great first touch, and his vision and ability to control a match is years ahead of his time. He was a constant thorn in the Ghanaian midfield’s/ defence’s side. His plays coupled with Drogba’s strength and Kalou’s youthful exuberance tore the Black Stars to shreds. Another player of note on this clearly talented team is Abdul-Kader Keita. His incredible play set up Drogba’s goal in this game and pulled the curtain on this game as a competition.

In Ghana’s defence, their 21 year old maestro Asamoah is an incredible talent. He shows no fear on the football field and with the right grooming can become on of the best in the world in his position. He’s an attacking midfielder built like Essien, legs like Henry and a very Roberto Carlos-esque shot. The elephants' defence had a torrid time containing him, but eventually did and as a result allowed the Ivorian attackers to boss the game.

All in all, the Ivoirians stamped their authority on the African game and defended their billing as one of the favorites going into the summer. Their immediate concern should be to finish tops in the CAF. As for Ghana, they have a few months within which they have some tweaking to do.