Emerse Faé’s bold claim ahead of AFCON 2025 draw

The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was held in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, January 27, with football legends and team coaches in attendance.

While the event was largely celebratory, a controversial statement from Emerse Faé, head coach of Côte d’Ivoire’s national team, set the tone for a potential rivalry.

Speaking ahead of the group-stage announcements, Faé made an audacious declaration regarding his team’s ambitions and Morocco’s chances of success in the tournament.

Sorry for the supporters of Morocco, but we will leave with the AFCON,” Faé remarked, expressing confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s ability to reclaim the continental title.

Tensions build between Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco

Faé’s comment has sparked intrigue and debate among fans and analysts, particularly as Morocco, the host nation, is considered a strong contender.

The Atlas Lions, aiming to win their first AFCON trophy since 1976, have shown significant progress in recent years, with their national team making deep runs in international tournaments.

Côte d’Ivoire, a two-time AFCON champion, is equally determined to reassert its dominance on the African stage.

Tirage au sort #CAN2025 : “Désolé pour les supporters du Maroc, mais on va repartir avec la CAN”. Les mots forts d’Emerse Faé à la soirée du tirage au sort pic.twitter.com/gKz7s23ttD

— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) January 27, 2025

The Elephants last won the tournament in 2015, and Faé’s words suggest a firm belief in his squad’s ability to recapture past glory.

Heated rivalry ahead

As the competition draws nearer, Faé’s statement may set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco.

With the tournament scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, the pressure on the host nation will be immense.

The comments have added an extra layer of drama to the tournament, promising to fuel rivalries and excitement among fans as the teams prepare for what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested event.