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Ivory Coast defender Guela Doué says the reigning AFCON champions are fully aware of the expectations that come with their status and are determined to achieve one of the tournament’s toughest feats – successfully defending the title.
The Elephants open their Group F campaign tonight against Mozambique at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
Doué conceded that, as champions, Ivory Coast are well aware they will be playing with a target on their backs.
"It's very important for us. We won the last AFCON, and we know that every game matters, and every match will be tough so we need to start the competition off well.
"We have a target on our backs, but we are staying calm and working hard."
His teammate, 19-year-old Yan Diomande called on the backing of their supporters in what will be a demanding few weeks for the squad.
"We need strong support, and I believe we will fight to defend the title. We need to win the first game, and every game after that, and let's see what's going to happen."
