The manager of the Ivory Coast national football team, Sabri Lamouchi, has announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming friendly match against Mexico which is going to be played at MetLife Stadium, New York.
The veteran player Didier Drogba has also managed to find a spot in that squad. The 35 years old striker has come back into the national team after a gap of 5 months. He was dropped after Ivory Coast’s poor outing in Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Drogba has shown some good form off late while playing in the pre-season games for his club Galatasaray. That might have prompted Lamouchi to give him a go again.
There are a couple of new faces in the Ivorian squad as well. Bobley Anderson and Gohi Bi Zoro Cyriac have been included in the national squad for the first time. Anderson plays for Malaga, while, Cyriac plays for Anderlecht.
Announcing the squad for the game against Mexico, the Ivory Coast manager said, “Didier has been a great player for Ivory Coast over the years. He was struggling a bit at the start of this year, but, it seems he has hit top form again.”
“It’s nice to have him back in the team. He is a hugely experience guy and his presence in the camp always helps.”
Drogba is under huge pressure to perform in the game against Mexico. Another poor outing in that game might end his dream of playing in the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time as there is no lack of young, talented strikers in Ivory Coast.
Drogba has a fantastic record in international football. He has so far made 95 appearances for Ivory Coast and has found the back of the net 60 times.