AFCON 2025: We faced a good team and managed to keep a clean sheet – Cote d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé

Cote d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé praised his players’ resilience after their narrow 1–0 win over Mozambique, highlighting the clean sheet and collective spirit shown in their AFCON title defence opener.

Faé’s side controlled long stretches of the match, patiently trying to unlock a disciplined Mozambique defence at the Marrakech Stadium. Their persistence finally paid off early in the second half, when Amad Diallo calmly slotted home the only goal after smart work from Franck Kessié inside the box.

Reflecting on the performance, Faé underlined how much he valued the way his players worked for each other over the 90 minutes.

“We faced a good team and managed to keep a clean sheet. Once again, we saw the solidarity that has been with us for several months, as well as the players’ effort and mindset, which were already evident during our training camp in Spain,” he said.

“If there is one area we still need to improve, it is decision-making and finishing. Sometimes the cross should be played along the ground but is delivered in the air. These are the details that make the difference at this level.”