Soccer-Calendar switch gives Drogba generation another chance

LIBREVILLE, FEB 13 - By Mark Gleeson

LIBREVILLE Feb 13 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast's golden generation, led by Didier Drogba, could have one final shot at the African Nations Cup title thanks to the intricacies of the international soccer calendar.

Drobga, 33, has taken part in four Nations Cups and seen his side lose twice on penalties in the final, once in the semi-finals and once in the quarters, despite invariably being billed as favourites and playing some of the best football.

This year's tournament looked to be the last chance for the likes of Drogba, Didier Zokora and Kolo Toure who under normal circumstances would have to wait two years for another crack at the title.

But the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has switched the competition to odd years rather than even so that it no longer takes place in the same season as a World Cup.

Rather than wait three years until the next Nations Cup, CAF has decided to that the competition will be held in 2013, in South Africa.

"If they still have the motivation they can still play an important role for the team," said coach Francois Zahoui, whose own future is the subject of speculation, after they lost on penalties to Zambia in Sunday's final after a goalless draw.

"But these are decisions not to be made now."

Zahoui, determined to end Ivory Coast's habit of playing attractive football but failing to win the trophy, had banked on a more pragmatic approach and his team got through their six games without conceding a goal.