The Ivorians are through to the quarterfinals of the competition after a perfect record in the group stages and now face co-hosts Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.

"Drogba has been our great motivator," Gervinho told French radio RMC. "He never stops reminding us that we are here to win the tournament, no matter the hurdles, no matter the game form and no matter the score margin.

"His talks and desires have been inspirational and have turned the atmosphere within the team to be very convivial."

Gervinho also praised a new attitude in the squad brought by coach Francois Zahoui – substance over style.

"In past editions, we were always seen as top favourites but we have won nothing up till now. We are conscious of this image and the failures that have always follow, so we are ready this time to do everything possible to avoid the previous scenarios.

"We have had a number of coaches, coming with their tactics and character, and we tend to cope as much as we can. Zahoui is a guy who's in quest of results, however it comes.

"He tells us to win, pick up the three points and advance, no matter how people judge us and our game. He knows how to approach his players with respect and consideration."