Emerse Faé, the interim coach of Côte d’Ivoire, is already contemplating the future of the Elephants following their triumphant victory in the AFCON 2023 tournament.
Taking charge of the national team after the sudden departure of Jean-Louis Gasset during the tournament, Emerse Faé, a former Éléphants midfielder, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
Despite a challenging start, where Côte d’Ivoire suffered a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, Faé’s strategic guidance, coupled with Ghana’s draw and Morocco’s victory in the group stage, secured their path to the knockout phase.
However, Faé’s appointment was not met with immediate confidence from the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF).
In a moment of desperation, the FIF unsuccessfully attempted to secure the services of Hervé Renard, the current coach of the French women’s team.
Renard, who led Côte d’Ivoire to its second AFCON victory in 2015, declined the loan request.
Despite this initial hesitation, the nation rallied behind Faé and the Elephants, celebrating their triumph.
Following a reception with President Alassane Ouattara, Faé and his team received not only acknowledgment but also a generous bonus of 100 million FCFA (153,437 euros), double the amount awarded to the players.
In an Instagram post expressing gratitude to the President, the Ivorian people, and FIF President Idriss Diallo, Faé hinted at his continued role with the Elephants.
“Thank you to the Ivorian people for all the support. Thank you to FIF President Idriss Diallo for your trust. From March, work resumes. Objective: AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2026,” he stated.
This statement suggests a renewed sense of confidence in Faé’s leadership, pointing towards his potential extension as head coach as the team sets its sights on the AFCON 2025 in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup.
Faé’s achievements in rejuvenating the Elephants have evidently not gone unnoticed, and his commitment to future objectives reflects a promising chapter in Ivorian football.
” Dès mars, le travail reprend. Objectif CAN 2025 et coupe du monde 2026.” Emerse Faé sur Instagram. Le sélectionneur lui est déjà Devantdougou 😃#FootballCIV pic.twitter.com/esv6wrWWiy
— Le Kpakpato Sportif (@LKsportif) February 14, 2024
