Côte d'Ivoire
AFRICA CUP CHAMPIONS 2015
GROUP D QUARTER-FINALS Semi-Finals FINAL
Nations Cup appearances: 20
Best result: Winners (1992)
Coach: Herve Renard (France)
Key players: Yaya Toure, Wilfried Bony, Gervinho
Fifa ranking: 28
Lost in the 2006 and 2012 finals.
Defeat three years ago came against Zambia, who were then coached by Renard.
The Elephants are without legendary striker Didier Drogba, who has retired from internationals, but they still scored the most goals in qualifying - 13 - and boast Bony, who has just become one of Africa's most expensive players after joining Manchester City for £28m.
The 21-year-old right-back played in all of his country's matches at the World Cup in Brazil.
The 45-year-old Renard ended his second spell as Zambia coach in October 2013 to take over at French club Sochaux for the second half of the Ligue 1 season.
The Ivory Coast international, a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, left Stamford Bridge in 2012 after scoring the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
The Super Eagles climbed three places in the Confederation of African Football region and 10 spots on the global list - up to 34th in the world.
The Elephants are looking for a new manager after deciding not to renew the contract of French coach Sabri Lamouchi, who failed to guide the side past the group stages at the World Cup in Brazil.
Greece vs Ivory Coast 2:1
Colombia vs Ivory Coast 2:1
Ivory Coast vs Japan 2:1
The former Dutch football-star, Ruud Gullit, hopes a team from Africa will perform well and prove to be the surprise package at the World Cup in Brazil.
Coton Sport secure a dramatic victory against Asec Mimosas.
Group A
• 06 June: Asec Mimosas vs Coton Sport 2:3
• 07 June: Real Bamako vs AC Leopards 1:2
Group B
• 07 June: Etoile du Sahel vs Nkana 4:3
• 08 June: Sewe Sports vs Al Ahly 1:1
