Emerys Faye, the coach of Ivory Coast, emphasized that the Moroccan national team provided a lifeline for his team during the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast was on the brink of exiting the tournament during the group stage, but managed to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, continuing their journey towards potentially clinching the title.
Faye stated in remarks to the Egyptian Channel One: “We faced many difficulties in the group stage and suffered a humiliating defeat against Equatorial Guinea (4-0).
We had to wait until the end of the group stage, and Morocco gave us an unexpected gift by defeating Zambia.”
He continued: “Morocco’s victory over Zambia (1-0) was a lifeline for us and allowed us to return. We thank Morocco for that.”
Faye emphasized: “Morocco sets a great example for African football after reaching the semi-finals of the last World Cup.
This has become the goal for all African teams, and why not have an African team win the World Cup.”
He explained: “I told the players that we reached the Round of 16 through the small door, and God gave us a second chance.
We must seize it and improve our image in front of our people.”
He added: “Winning the Africa Cup of Nations is a gift from God for me after failing to achieve it as a player.
When Morocco defeated Zambia, I felt that we could reach the final of the AFCON and win the title, and the match against Mali (quarter-finals) was the toughest in the tournament.”
He revealed: “The biggest surprise in the AFCON was our loss to Equatorial Guinea by four goals, and the second surprise was Mauritania’s victory over Algeria, leading to Algeria’s exit from the group stage in this manner.”
He pointed out: “Didier Drogba was very enthusiastic, just like the Ivorian people who supported us especially.
He always talked to us about the importance of winning the title, and I thank him for his support at all times.”
He concluded his statements by saying: “Mohamed Salah, for me, is the best player in Africa.”
