Back in 2002 Ivory Coast was experiencing a civil war that divided the nation into two factions with the then President Laurent Gbagbo's government controlling the south and a rebel faction known as The New Forces of Ivory Coast, led by Guillaume Soro, controlling the north.
After three years of unrest, it took the national team players to come together and look for a unifying factor to bring the nation together.
In 2005 Ivory Coast was set to face Sudan in their World Cup qualifier match with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the World tournament.
Ivory Coast were able to secure a 3-1 win over Sudan, setting history for their first time to appear at the World Cup.
After the match, the national team captain, Cyril Domoraud, called the media to the changing room where he handed the microphone to Didier Drogba.
Also Read: Jobs Footballers Did Before Football
Drogba took the chance and asked those who were fighting to use the moment to forgive each other and to have peaceful coexistence among his countrymen.
"Men and women of the Ivory Coast. From the north, south, centre and west, we proved today that all Ivorians can coexist and play together with a shared objective: to qualify for the World Cup.
"We promised you that the celebration would unite the people. Today, we beg you, please forgive. Forgive, forgive.
"The one country in Africa with so many riches must not descend into war like this. Please, lay down all weapons. Hold elections, organise elections. All will be better,” Drogba stated.
Through that speech and the team's qualification to the world Cup opened doors to negotiations between the government and opposing New Forces.
A peace agreement was signed in 2007 ending the war between both sides with president Laurent Gbagbo declaring an end to the war.
Also Read: Players' Ages at African Schools Cup Raise Concerns