Kolo Touré and Didier Zokora, the most experienced players in the Ivorian national team, were celebrated during a gala dinner as they reached significant milestones. Zokora, with 135 caps, and Kolo Touré, with 115, were honored for their remarkable contributions to the team.
As the squad prepared to travel to Dakar for the final round of the CAN 2013 qualifiers, the Ivorian selection marked the “centenary” of Kolo Touré and Zokora. The president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Sidy Diallo, addressed the players during the gala, and the vice-president unveiled a surprise: two copies of the traditional orange jersey of Côte d’Ivoire, marked with the number 100 and adorned with the names of Zokora and Kolo Touré. The players also received honorary medals.
Zokora expressed his pleasure at wearing the national team jersey for 11 years and participating in two World Cup tournaments and five CANs, including two finals. Kolo Touré expressed his pride in representing the country and emphasized his expectation to win with the Elephants, which involves qualifying for CAN 2013.
Both players were trained at the Mimo Sifcom Academy and have been part of the national team since 2000.