Drogba puts on united front

Drogba: Left shattered by Togo attack

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Didier Drogba insists the show must go on as Ivory Coast gear up for their African Cup of Nations opener against Burkina Faso on Monday.

The attack on the Togo national team prior to African football's showpiece event has cast a shadow over the tournament, with fears raised about the safety of those still in Angola.

Togo have opted to withdraw from the competition after terrorist gunfire killed three members of their travelling party.

Other nations have expressed concerns about the decision to go ahead with the tournament, with high-profile individuals such as Chelsea striker Drogba admitting that he is not in the best frame of mind to be playing at present.

However, the Ivory Coast skipper feels those still involved in the quest for African Cup of Nations glory must now attempt to repair the damage done to the competition's reputation and unite behind Togo's cause.

"We are ready, but the events of Friday have left us shattered," Drogba told skysports.com.

Solidarity

"I have spoken with (Togo and Manchester City striker) Emmanuel Adebayor and it was a difficult situation for them.

"We have to show solidarity with them, though, and support the decision they have taken.

"We are all sad to see them leave the biggest competition for African players, but that is life."

Meanwhile, police in Angola are holding two suspects in connection with the attack on the Togo national team.

Two arrests have been made in Cabinda, an Angolan enclave inside the Democratic Republic of Congo, close to where Friday's events took place.

"Two people have been captured, when we have more information we will pass it on to the public," Antonio Nito, Cabinda's provincial attorney general, told National Radio.