Whether they make it, will make for an interesting read and legacy that has been tainted by underachieving tag.
But first, supersport.com takes a look at the key battles versus Guinea that will shape up their fate.
Yaya Toure presence
Reigning African player of the Year Yaya Toure presence in the middle of the park will influence how Ivory Coast will fare.
The typical box to box midfielder is a master of all trades: Inventiveness, defensive abilities, control, discipline, provider, bully and scorer.
He is what you describe as a central midfield giant that can frustrate defenses with his runs and can instill fear when he shows up.
If Ivory Coast wants a vibrant, free flowing, possession game with flair, they will have to pin their hopes on him, hopefully, he turns up.
Flanks
Salomon Kalou and Gervinho provide the decoy to pace and power when it comes to the team.
Their ability to keep possession by breaking play and hitting byline with pace while playing high up the pitch to hug the touchline and create chances for themselves or for central forward that could be Wilfried Bony, will be vital.
The greater the agility, the better their chances to exploit the spaces left by attack minded Guinean full backs.
Serge Aurier
This is one of the few right backs who just ticks the boxes.
Versatile with his play, quick feet, visionary, physical, is what you need when overlapping is crucial.
His ability to play as a right back in a 4-4-2 and centre back in a 3-5-2 is mobility that can be a cover for an inconsistent defense that was played out during qualifiers.
He is the assurance you need to assist Kolo Toure, or Sol Bamba moment all over again.
Boubacar Barry
Barry has aged over the years and the evidence shows in his errors that has cost the team.
Thing is they are stuck with him and don’t have an option like many teams that opt for younger untested keepers between the sticks.
He will be at his seventh Afrian Cup of Nations, still seeking an elusive title. All he needs to do is not let the ball go in and maybe they will triumph.
Experience
At times all you need to win championship is experience as much as the talent.
That time when mental strength is needed, that half that you need to turn around a score, you look upon the ones who have been there, tried, tested and lived to testify.
If experience would win you Afcon, Ivory Coast won’t need to show up in Equatorial Guinea, they would be in Abidjan waiting for trophy parade.
Boubacar Barry, Kolo Toure, Siaka Tiene have played seven editions each of them while Yaya Toure comes in with six. They know the terrain so well it’s enviable.
This is the 30th edition, they better make it all not go to waste because it could be their last appearance.
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