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| Ivorians move Nations Cup tie |
5/30/2007 |
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Ivory Coast have moved next month''s home Nations Cup tie against Madagascar to Bouake in a symbolic gesture in support of the recent peace process.
The Ivorian Football Federation said the Group One match has been moved from the capital Abidjan, where Ivory Coast normally play their matches.
Bouake served as the capital of the rebel-held northern part of the divided west African nation during the 2002-2003 civil war.
The Ivorian government and northern rebels signed a peace accord in March.
That same month, Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba visited Bouake as he called on the country to unite in peace.
The Chelsea forward took his Caf African Footballer of the Year to show the people in the north, where he was given a hero''s welcome.
Should Ivory Coast win in Bouake, the Elephants will effectively ensure their progress to next January''s Nations Cup finals in Ghana.
The Ivorians, who lead the three-team group by three points, beat Madagascar 3-0 away in Antananarivo in March in their last Nations Cup qualifier.
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