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Ivory Coast. My favorite team in Africa. I was in a cab in Atlanta over Christmas while wearing my Africa Cup of Nations Drogba jersey given to me by contributor Mike D. and my sweet Gabonese driver was overjoyed. We spoke about African football for the entirety of the thirty-minute drive from the airport to my aunt and uncle’s house in Little Five Points. While the conversation continued in the middle of the street, my aunt stood bewildered on the porch wondered what we could be discussing so enchantingly. The game is beautiful in this way. Connecting the people.

Many feel that, despite a difficult group, Africa holds it’s most sincere opportunity for World Cup success in Les Éléphants. This would mean surviving in group play against Brazil, Portugal and a plucky North Korea and a possible meeting with Spain in the knockout phase. After being the best team to not make the second round in 2006 (1-2 vs. Argentina; 1-2 vs. Netherlands; 3-2 vs. Serbia and Montenegro). Now that is a Group of Death.

Compliments to both the Ivory Coast and Puma for putting together a rather simple kit while retaining a level of interest-catching details. This orange, which is a bit more burnt than the Dutch kit, has become a trademark of the Ivorian home kit. In 2006, they awkwardly plastered a giant elephant on the middle of the shirt. Fortunately, they got it together in ’08. This time, they moved it to the mesh shoulder which is much more pleasing to the eye. Thankfully it’s also just the head, instead of a landscape scene out of National Geographic. I wouldn’t have known this without having the shirt, but the light mesh shoulder/sleeve is quite nice to wear while working outside. This may not have as much of an impact as South Africa will be in winter and therefore, not so hot.
The only issue with the mesh in the away kit is that it interrupts a wonderfully original pattern. In the past, Ivory Coast has worn white with green trim. ’06 saw the same ‘African safari’ scene. They accompanied their classy Italia-like ’08 away with a forest green 3rd jersey. Before Puma, Uhlsport had the reigns.

BADGE CHANGE ALERT: This is quite strange because Ivory Coast had a truly classic badge. The replacement and it’s modern-looking elephant has its own charm, for sure, but doesn’t equal the original. I stumbled on this fantastic pin, which could be used as a future badge. I would also sport this track jacket any day.