Ivory Coast marksman Didier Drogba is hoping that Africa's status on the sporting map will improve in 2010. The Chelsea superstar's statements were released in the wake of the vicious on Togo's national team in Angola two days ahead of the kickoff of African Cup of Nations (CAN). The driver of Togo's bus was instantly killed and nine people, including two players, were terribly wounded when gunmen opened fire on the bus in the Angolan enclave of Cabinda. The death toll rose when assistant coach Abalo Amelete and press officer Stanislas Ocloo were pronounced dead on Saturday. Togo have already pulled out of the biennial competition, while reports suggest that more teams could also announce their withdrawal due to security worries, which could result in the tournament cancelation. Drogba highlighted that CAN and the World Cup, which is taking place in South Africa later this year, could put the Dark Continent 'on the sporting map forever'. "People have an opinion of Africa and it is not so good, but we have to let sport unite us all," said Drogba. "They see us as being behind the rest of the world in financial and in sporting terms, but this year give us a chance to show people a different Africa. "Africa has some problems, we all know that, but we all have a chance to make 2010 the special year that puts this continent on the sporting map forever. "We have this Africa Cup of Nations and then there is the big prize of the World Cup. "All of us in the Ivory Coast squad believe we can create history and becomes the first African team to win the World Cup. "There is no outstanding favorite for the tournament and we also have the massive advantage of playing in Africa this time. "In the past, it's always been a story of so close for African teams, but now we have players who are proven at the top level of the game and they have the experience to compliment their talent. The Ivory Coast are ready to be winners at last. "Just imagine what it would mean to the people in our country and to the whole of Africa if we won the World Cup. "It would be one of the greatest sporting moments of them all and we can be the heroes who make it happen. This is our chance of a lifetime. "First we have to prove we are the best in the African Cup of Nations and as this will be the last time I play in this competition, I have to avoid the pain of not winning it once in my career. "I will sweat from every pour to make it happen."
