Kalou: It was not our day

At 26, Salomon Kalou lived his fourth African Cup of Nations. But the Ivorian striker again failed in his quest for the Grail. A disappointment for Chelsea player who thought hit the mark this year, against Zambia.

Solomon, one more final defeat to the Ivory Coast ...
(Sigh) It was not our day, simply. It was not unworthy of this tournament, we played our football. We did not concede a goal, we scored nine. This is a difficult time because we really worked hard. We are disappointed but it will digest quickly for the CAN 2012 is happening already.

One gets the impression that the Ivory Coast never really came into this match.
You still have to say we had to do a very good team of Zambia. Then, when we play this kind of game, it's complicated to lose some of our best players around the hour of play or players like Yaya Toure Zokora are players who can make the difference at any time.Without them, it is even harder.

"We do not want to Didier"

Do you think it is a mistake of bringing them out so early?
Maybe they were tired, I do not know. I can not say that it is a mistake. But, with extensions that were outlined, we would have needed this kind of experienced players who can create something. Experience we missed late in the game.

And then there's Didier Drogba penalty miss ...
You know, we do not want to Didier. He worked hard for the team. It happens. We know what we can provide. After removing the penalty of Bamba, we thought it was our day.

Will, finally, we do not put too much pressure?
No. We never had the pressure. It was prepared in good conditions. It does not end well, it is the law of football. One can only congratulate the team of Zambia.

This defeat is not it too hard to swallow?
If, of course. It's hard because we are very disappointed. We reach the finals and lose on penalties. Now, we'll all go back into the club, relax, digest and see in South Africa.

Do you already in the CAN 2013?
It was a great team anyway. Young, old. It will continue to work hard to progress. Do not take away from Zambia. We had chances but not likely. It's hard to accept. Losing a lottery ... But Zambians are playing very well. We, we have young players like Gervinho or Bamba, which are mounted in power and who made a beautiful CAN.