Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall display following the 1-1 draw against Cameroon in their Group F clash at the Grand Stadium of Marrakech during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Faé noted that his side managed to dictate the tempo for long spells of the contest but admitted that a lack of sharpness in the final third prevented Ivory Coast from putting the game beyond reach, allowing Cameroon to remain competitive until the closing stages.
The Ivorian tactician reserved particular praise for his team’s defensive structure, which stood firm despite Cameroon raising the intensity in the second half. He, however, acknowledged minor shortcomings linked to a drop in physical levels late in the game, stressing that such issues are correctable as the tournament progresses.
Faé also underlined that the ongoing AFCON campaign serves as a testing ground for building a more balanced squad, offering valuable lessons on managing difficult moments and improving attacking efficiency.
Cameroon coach David Pagou, on the other hand, delivered a positive appraisal of the Indomitable Lions’ performance, commending their tactical discipline and defensive organisation against the reigning champions. He explained that coming up against a side of Ivory Coast’s quality demanded focus and compactness, which his players largely demonstrated despite a few individual mistakes that led to conceding a goal.
Pagou described those errors as part of the natural growth process of a young team, emphasising that the broader technical project is focused on restoring Cameroon’s status on the continental stage through a gradual approach built on discipline and fighting spirit.
He added that attention will now turn fully to the next fixture, with video analysis set to play a key role in addressing shortcomings and enhancing attacking output.
