Didier Drogba proved a talismanic influence in helping the Ivory Coast to win their opening World Cup encounter but the ageing striker could be confined to a role as an impact player, coming off the bench at the tournament supposed to be his swansong.
The 36-year-old came on as a substitute, just after the hour mark, to spark a come-from-behind 2-1 victory for his country over Japan in a rain-drenched Recife .
But while Drogba, whose post-World Cup future is unclear, will be itching for a place in the staring line-up for the next game against Colombia in Brasilia on Thursday, his impact at the Pernambuco arena could well have marked his card.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi was full of platitudes for Drogba after the win but also made clear a lack of confidence in the imposing striker’s conditioning.
“Part of leaving him on the bench was to do with strategy, part of it was his fitness,” Lamouchi said.
“The last time he played 90 minutes was a few months ago in Turkey and he’s had an injury since then.”
Drogba’s once automatic place in the team was filled by Wilfried Bony, who repaid his coach’s faith with the equaliser after Japan had taken a 1-0 halftime lead.
Bony has been knocking on the door of starting 11 selection for a while, scoring three goals in five World Cup qualifiers.
