Emers Faye found himself, albeit temporarily, coaching the Ivory Coast national team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, stepping in for the French coach Jean-Louis Gasset.
Gasset struggled to meet the aspirations of the Ivorian people who sought the joy of winning the African Princess for the first time since 2015.
The Ivorian Elephants stumbled in the group stage, on the verge of exiting the tournament on home soil.
However, Morocco’s victory over Zambia in the group’s final match breathed new life into Ivory Coast, allowing them to continue in the competition.
Examining Faye’s football journey, it’s clear that it doesn’t compare to the giants of his generation such as Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou, and Abdulkader Keita.
At the age of 28, diseases marked the end of his playing career.
In 2008, he contracted malaria during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
He also suffered from vein inflammation causing “clots in the leg veins,” eventually leading to his decision to retire.
Undeterred, he chose to embark on a coaching career.
He began coaching the youth teams at Nice in France, moving on to lead the U19 team and later the reserve team at Clermont in the third division.
The Ivorian Football Federation assigned him the task of assisting Jean-Louis Gasset during the ongoing tournament, but he has now become the captain of the ship.
Faye finds himself in an enviable position.
Now, he is the decision-maker, unlike his previous role with Gasset, stating, “Now I am the decision-maker.
With Gasset, I expressed my opinion, and he made the choice.”
Preparing to face Senegal, the African champions, Faye brought 12 years of experience to his players, attempting in every way to alleviate the pressure on his team.
On the day of the match, he couldn’t follow his usual routine: “I couldn’t take a nap.
I thought long and hard about all possible scenarios.”
On the stage of Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Faye orchestrated a stunning surprise.
Ivory Coast ousted Senegal, the defending champions, in a penalty shootout, after the Ivorian players delivered their best performance of the tournament.
Starting the match in the worst possible way with Senegal scoring in the first four minutes, Faye remained undeterred.
He continued to do what he does best, providing support to the Elephant players and urging them forward.
Through substitute Kessie, the score was leveled from the penalty spot.
The epic culminated in a penalty shootout, securing the Ivorians a spot in the quarter-finals.
