Toure Wants Nations Cup Timing Changed

Ivory Coast defender, Kolo Toure says the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations should be changed.

Toure is set to join the rest of the Ivorian team at this month’s Nations Cup in Angola and could miss up to seven games for his club, Manchester City.

Toure says he loves playing for his country, but is sad to leave his club.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has resisted many calls for the tournament to be moved.

“It is very difficult for English clubs to see their players leaving [for the Nations Cup],” said Toure.

“But we hope that the programme can change, which will be helpful for the clubs and the players as well.”

Ivory Coast have won Africa’s biggest football trophy only once, in 1992 when the competition was held in Senegal

But Toure hopes that their present crop of players can lift the cup in Angola.

“We have not won the cup with with this generation of players, despite having top players like Drogba and Solomon Kalou,” he said.

“We are now looking forward to winning it. But we know it’s going to be difficult.”

Toure also believes Man City will finish the season in the top four.

City have won their two games under new boss Roberto Mancini.