Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé has insisted his side were the most impressive outfit at the Canadian Shield, despite finishing last in the four-team competition.
The Elephants ended their North American tour with a morale-boosting victory on penalties over host nation Canada in Toronto on Tuesday.
The match, which ended goalless after 90 minutes, was decided from the spot, with Ivory Coast prevailing 5-4. However, the result had no bearing on the final standings, as Canada secured the tournament title with four points — edging out New Zealand and Ukraine by a single point, and finishing two clear of bottom-placed Ivory Coast.
While the Ivorian side failed to score in either of their two matches and did not win in regular time, Faé remains adamant that his team were superior in terms of gameplay and overall performance.
“In terms of how we played, I genuinely believe we were the strongest side in the competition,” said the former midfielder. “We just couldn’t convert our chances.
It’s frustrating because we deserved more from both games, especially against New Zealand and Canada. But sometimes, football goes in cycles. It happens at clubs and on the international stage.”
Faé came under scrutiny following an underwhelming lineup against New Zealand, a match which ended in a goalless draw and showcased limited attacking threat.
The coach defended his selection at the time, citing squad withdrawals and administrative hurdles that disrupted his plans.
Addressing supporters after the final match in Toronto, Faé took a moment to show appreciation for the fans who attended the fixtures, particularly those who may have felt let down by the team’s performances.
“We are grateful to everyone who came out to support us, especially those who traveled long distances,” he said. “We also want to apologize to the fans who left disappointed after the New Zealand match. We gave everything, and we are sorry if it didn’t meet expectations.”
Despite the lack of goals and regulation-time wins, Faé believes the tournament served its purpose in providing valuable insights ahead of more significant challenges.
“It’s definitely frustrating not to score or win outright, but these matches are part of a broader process,” he explained. “What we’ve learned about our attacking coordination and overall efficiency will be crucial going forward. These are lessons we must take into account to grow stronger.”
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Faé is now turning his attention to preparations for those crucial encounters.
The reigning African champions currently hold a slender lead over Gabon in their qualifying group and know they will need to be more clinical if they are to maintain their advantage.
“Our focus now shifts to improving before the qualifiers,” Faé stated. “We’re in a tight spot and cannot afford to let inefficiency cost us when it matters most.”
Though the Canadian Shield did not end with silverware or standout results for Ivory Coast, the coaching staff and players will be hoping the experience pays dividends in the months ahead, as the team seeks to defend its continental status and secure a place on the world stage.
