Host country looking to benefit too

Football fans in the United Kingdom will be unhappy that many of the star players have left their club to play for their country in the African Cup of Nations. One of the biggest stars in England is Didier Drogba and therefore, much of the focus on missing players has fallen on him.

This has been the case for a number of reasons. Drogba is a world class player and he is playing for the team at the top of the table. That alone is reason for the column inches devoted to Drogba.

However, another big factor is the fact that Chelsea are struggling for forwards. Nicolas Anelka has missed the past few games through injury, although he is expected to return this weekend but Chelsea are light on forwards. With Solomon Kalou also away to the ACON, the loss of Drogba sees Chelsea relying on one striker who has a lack of match fitness and Daniel Sturridge.

It is not ideal but it is not a concern for Drogba, who has a job to do for his country.

The Ivory Coast are one of the favourites for the tournament and they will conclude their preparations with two friendly matches in Tanzania. The Ivory Coast team should be arriving in Tanzania today and they play Taifa Stars on Monday in the National Stadium.

Three days later, the Ivory Coast play Rwanda, again in the National Stadium.

These games, and the experience of hosting big stars and names is likely to be of benefit to Tanzania too. It will give the football fans the chance to see some of footballs biggest names but it should prove the nation has the infrastructure to host teams.

With the world coming to South Africa this summer for the World Cup, many nations will be looking for a base to acclimatise and prepare for the tournament. Many of the other Africa nations are looking to benefit from this and Tanzania are no different.

Do you think Ivory Coast can win the ACON?

Related posts:

1. Didier Drogba fires up Ivory Coast Striker remains on top form var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(js)g(16898306)a(1741564)' +...
2. Teams arriving in Angola all the time Nigeria expected on Wednesday var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(img)g(16586064)a(1741564)' + new...
3. Day Two at the African Cup of Nations Malawi shock Algeria var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(img)g(18262124)a(1741564)' + new String...
4. Angola grab a 1-1 draw with Gambia African Cup of Nation hosts battle back var uri =...
5. Welcome to 2010 Welcome to the African Cup of Nations Angola is the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.