Didier Drogba leads Phoenix Rising to first ever Western Conference finals

The former Chelsea star continued his fine form in the playoffs by helping the Arizona outfit avenge last year's exit

Didier Drogba scored a goal and provided an assist as Phoenix Rising defeated Swope Park 4-2 to book a place in the 2018 United Soccer League Western Conference finals.

After netting a stunning 40-yard free-kick in Phoenix's last victory over Portland Timbers II, the African legend inspired his side to avenge last season's quarter-final loss with an impressive performance in front of a sold out Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex crowd.

TIME TO TAKE OFF YOUR SHIRTS BECAUSE WE'RE IN THE CONFERENCE FINALS! #UpRising pic.twitter.com/XcIqEN6NET — (x)-Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) October 27, 2018

Jason Johnson broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. However, it was cut short with as Swope Park Rangers equalised four minutes later.

The visitors fired themselves ahead in the 33rd minute but Drogba assisted Chris Cortez's 36th-minute leveller.

Kevon Lambert, after the restart, put the hosts ahead again with his before a last-gasp effort by Drogba wrapped up the win as Rick Schantz's men await the winner between Orange County SC and Reno 1868 for next month's final showdown.

The 40-year-old has now notched six goals in 10 outings for his second-tier club this term.