The Ivorian Football Federation has officially appointed Emerse Fae as the permanent coach of the Elephants, following their triumph in the AFCON 2023 tournament.
Fae assumed the role on an interim basis after Jean-Louis Gasset’s departure during the group stage of the competition. Prior to Fae’s appointment, the Ivorian team had suffered two defeats, including a significant 4-0 loss at home to Equatorial Guinea. Despite this rocky start, the team managed to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams, setting the stage for Fae’s remarkable turnaround during the knockout stages.
Under Fae’s leadership, the Elephants achieved extraordinary victories, including a penalty shootout win against reigning champions Senegal and a come-from-behind victory against Mali in the quarter-finals, despite being reduced to 10 men. They continued their impressive run by defeating DR Congo 1-0 in the semi-finals before securing a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Nigeria in the final.
Idriss Diallo, the president of the Ivory Coast’s football federation, confirmed Fae’s appointment on Monday, although the length of his contract was not disclosed. “Emerse was previously serving as interim coach and has now been appointed as the permanent coach,” Diallo stated.
