Ivory Coast recall captain Drogba

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AFP) - Captain Didier Drogba was recalled to the Ivory Coast starting line-up Wednesday for their final Group D game against Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Drogba, a 34-year-old sporting icon in his homeland, was dropped for the second pool match against Tunisia last Saturday and came off the bench midway through the second half to play his part in a 3-0 triumph.

While Drogba was preparing to face the Desert Foxes in this north-western mining town, his Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua expressed outrage over his reported move to Turkish side Galatasaray.

Shenhua officials insist the proposed move by Drogba breaches a 30-month contract with the Chinese Super League club and they are planning an appeal to world football governing body FIFA.

Another veteran recalled by Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi was Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure, who started in a laboured 2-1 opening-round win against Togo.

Lamouchi made nine changes from the side that began against Tunisia with only midfielder Koffi 'Romaric' N'Dri and striker Salomon Kalou retaining their places.

Just pride is at stake with title favourites Ivory Coast clinching first place in the 'Group of Death' last Saturday and Algeria doomed to finish last after losses to Tunisia and Togo

Team

Ivory Coast: Daniel Yeboah, Arthur Boka, Kolo Toure, Ismael Traore, Igor Lolo, Romaric, Abdul Razak, Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba (capt), Arouna Kone, Wilfried Bony