Emmanuel Eboue did not make it onto the pitch in Libreville last February as the Ivory Coast slumped to a penalty shootout defeat to Zambia in the final of the African Cup of Nations.
Out of favour with then-coach Francois Zahoui, the former Arsenal defender was limited to just one, goal-scoring, start in the group stage and then a cameo appearance in the quarter-final win over Equatorial Guinea.
However it is clear that he, like the rest of the Ivory Coast squad, has redemption in mind as they look to go one better in South Africa. The Galatasaray right-back candidly revealed the side weren’t good enough last year – and they are intent on putting that right.
“Of course in football anything can happen,” said Eboue, ahead of his country’s Group D opener today against Togo. “You saw in the final of the last Cup of Nations against Zambia. We got our opportunity to win this competition last year but that’s football.
"In football, if you don’t make a lot of sacrifices you can’t win anything. Me, I always believe in God, I trust in God, I trust also in ourselves but we must work harder and then maybe God can give us our chance to win.”
Eboue is no stranger to big games having spent six-and-a-half years at Premier League side Arsenal before his move to the Turkish giants. And he believes the fact the Elephants can call on a host of world-renowned talents, such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, can sometimes play against them in Africa as teams play them with a no-lose attitude.
“That kind of team [Zambia], they already know our team,” the 29-year-old added. “All of our players play for big teams in Europe, so they (Zambia) don’t care when they come to play against us they always give more than 100 per cent. You saw that in the last final against them.
“To be honest Zambia did well. They played football and they made a lot of sacrifices and God gave them the cup. So for us we must forget the last competition and focus on this year because it will be very, very difficult. It doesn’t matter the team we play ...they always give more than 100 per cent and we must be ready for that.”
Zambia’s maiden win in Libreville was as poignant as it was historic, coming as it did close to the site where the country’s prodigiously talented 1993 side lost their lives in a plane crash. However, they face a tough task to retain their crown with the likes of Ghana, Mali and, of course, the Ivory Coast ready to pounce.
The Ghanaians come into the tournament with a rejuvenated Asamoah Gyan also out for a slice of revenge following his penalty miss against the eventual champions and a potential clash with Zambia in the last four awaits.
But with Didier Drogba nearing the end of his international career, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations also represents probably the final chance for the former Chelsea striker to get his hands on the famous trophy. And Eboue would not rule out the 34-year-old firing his side to glory.
“This Africa Cup, anything can happen,” he said. “He’s a striker and a striker for us must score and then make the team happy. Didier Drogba, when he plays for this country, he always plays his best.”
If both Zambia and Ivory Coast win their groups, the draw will keep them apart until the final, if they both make it. So has Eboue – back in favour under new coach Sabri Lamouchi – been practising his spot kicks?
“Yeah, yeah of course,” he told Sport360° with a smile. “Me personally I’m usually afraid to kick a penalty but if you play football you must be prepared for anything.
"We hope we’ll go far this year and we will bring home the cup. We must fight more for ourselves and for our country.”
The life and times of Emmanuel Eboue...
Eboue, the Gunner
The right-back divided opinion. Booed by his own fans at Wigan in 2009, he was a cult hero to many.
Eboue in Turkey
After a tricky start, he has become a regular and won the league and cup Double last season.
Eboue, the joker
Eboue dressed up as a tiger for the 2006 Arsenal Christmas party – it wasn’t even fancy dress. Emmanuel Adebayor once said: “Eboue is funnier than the funniest comedians on TV. Sometimes when he eats, he puts his food up his nose.”
*Emmanuel Eboue wears PUMA evoSPEED 1 FG boots. The star’s boot manufacturer, PUMA, are the official sponsors of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
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