Emerse Fae, the coach of the Cote d’Ivoire national football team, has said that he couldn’t believe their victory against Nigeria in the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, News about Nigeria reports.
The Elephants made a fantastic comeback, winning 2-1 against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday night.
Fae’s team faced elimination in the group stage after a tough 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on January 22.
Following the loss, the Ivorians parted company with coach Jean-Louis Gasset, replacing him with Emerse Fae, a teammate of Drogba’s in 2006’
Speaking to reporters after the final, Fae said, “I still find it hard to believe it. We went through all the emotions. This competition will mark my life, that’s for sure.
“I took the reins of the team on my birthday, and we were almost knocked out, yet things turned around thanks to the hard work of these players, and today they have been rewarded, and more importantly, they rewarded our loyal people.”
Cote d’Ivoire’s AFCON win included dramatic victories, like overcoming holders Senegal in a penalty shootout, a last-minute goal against Mali in extra time, and a close win against DR Congo in the semifinals with a decisive goal from Sebastien Haller.
For his role in the team’s success, Emerse Fae was named the Best Coach of the Tournament.
The Ivorian supporters filled the 60,000-capacity stadium, with fans even watching the moment from different viewpoints, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the AFCON final.
