There is a lot riding on the midweek New York international friendly for veteran Côte d'Ivoire striker Didier Drogba as his side take on Mexico.
The
35-year-old was cast into the international wilderness after another
CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign went horribly wrong last February.
Serial title favourites Côte d'Ivoire fell to eventual champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals and Drogba seemingly became one of the fall guys.
Frenchman
Sabri Lamouchi, the first coach in five consecutive Africa Cup
tournament flops to survive, said the captain needed time out.
"We did not see the Didier we know at the Cup of Nations - moving to China cost him fitness and form," explained the coach.
Discarded
for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying wins over Gambia (twice) and
Tanzania, Drogba was promised a chance of redemption.
And it comes at the MetLife Stadium Wednesday against a Mexican side used to African opposition having drawn 2-2 with Nigeria recently.
A good showing from the dreadlocked Drogba and his dream of an international swansong at Brazil 2014 will be back on track.
But
a poor showing will be a major setback as there is no shortage of
young, ambitious Ivorian stars ready to step into his striking role.
Lamouchi,
a surprise choice as coach given his total lack of experience, was
giving nothing away on the Ivorian football federation website.
"Didier is happy to be back with us and eager to play for the national team and his country," he said.
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