Emerging from the triumph of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, Ivory Coast’s national football team coach, Emerse Fae, shed light on the significant role played by Didier Drogba in bolstering the team’s morale.
Fae, now focused on the ongoing World Cup qualifiers with Ivory Coast, spoke of the allure of Egyptian football for many coaches but emphasized his current dedication to his current role.
“Football in Egypt is appealing to many coaches, but for me, I’m taking my steps one at a time,” Fae stated during an interview with the national channel.
“I am now a national team coach crowned with the African Cup of Nations title, and my focus lies on our challenging goals with the Ivorian team.”
Regarding expectations of facing Egypt in the Cup of Nations, Fae admitted, “Before the tournament began, I anticipated a showdown with Egypt.
In a tournament of such magnitude, victory against all opponents is crucial.
Unfortunately, we didn’t face Egypt due to the Congo Democratic Republic’s victory.”
Reflecting on Didier Drogba’s influence, Fae remarked, “Didier Drogba was as passionate as the entire Ivorian population.
He emphasized the importance of clinching the Africa Cup of Nations title, and I thank him for his support and assistance in helping us overcome challenging stages.
His role was pivotal for both me and the players.”
The Ivorian Football Federation officially appointed Emerse Fae as the permanent coach of the national team following his interim leadership during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fae, who won the Best Coach award at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, embarked on his journey with a stunning victory against Guinea-Bissau, followed by a narrow defeat against Nigeria.
However, it was the disastrous loss against Equatorial Guinea, 4-0, that led to immediate action, with the federation swiftly sacking French coach Jean-Louis Gasset.
Fae took charge just in time for the match against defending champions Senegal, a challenge that many expected would spell disaster for the hosts.
However, Ivory Coast’s journey, marked by a thrilling win against Mali in the quarter-finals and a crucial goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals, culminated in a historic comeback in the final, securing a 2-1 victory against Nigeria.
With their third Africa Cup of Nations title, Ivory Coast now stands shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria, each boasting four titles, in what was a tournament filled with unpredictable twists and heroic triumphs.
