Gervinho inspired by Drogba

Ivory Coast star Gervinho has hailed captain Didier Drogba as one of the most motivated players in the squad.

Nicknamed ‘the Elephants’, Ivory Coast have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with maximum points in Group B.

They remain favourites to win the tournament, but this is not the first time the team has reached the last eight, only to fall short in the elimination rounds.

Arsenal player Gervinho says the whole squad is conscious of the fact that being the number one team on the continent and the favourites is no guarantee of success.

“In past editions, we were always seen as top favourites but we have won nothing up till now,” he told French radio RMC on Wednesday.

“We are conscious of this image and the failures that have always followed, so we are ready this time to do everything possible to avoid the previous scenarios.”

The 24-year-old, who won Ligue 1 with Lille last season, says the Ivory Coast’s greatest inspiration is skipper Drogba, who keeps reminding them of their objective for the 2012 Afcon.

“Drogba has been our great motivator,” Gervinho said.

“He never stops reminding us that we are here to win the tournament, no matter the hurdles, no matter the game form and no matter the score margin.”

“His talks and desires have been inspirational and have turned the atmosphere within the team to be very convivial.”

Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui is gradually gaining the fans’ confidence after he was criticised following an convincing 1-0 win over Sudan in the Group B opener.

But Gervinho and his teammates are used to their coaches coming under fire, and he believes Zahoui is equipped to handle the scrutiny.

“We have had a number of coaches, coming with their tactics and character, and we tend to cope as much as we can,” he said.

“Zahoui is a guy who’s in (search) of results, however it comes.”

“He tells us to win, pick up the three points and advance, no matter how people judge us and our game. He knows how to approach his players with respect and consideration.”

Ivory Coast will confront competition co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals in Malabo on Saturday.