Ivory Coast’s interim coach, Emerse Fae, acknowledges that reaching the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final feels surreal, considering the dire situation the team faced just two weeks ago. Following a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, the tournament hosts were on the verge of an early exit. The subsequent dismissal of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset heightened uncertainty, but under Fae’s temporary guidance, the team narrowly advanced to the knockout stages on goal difference.
Fae’s leadership proved pivotal as the Elephants triumphed over defending champions Senegal and Mali, securing a spot in the semi-finals against the Leopards. Returning to the venue of their earlier disappointment, Cote d’Ivoire redeemed themselves with Sebastien Haller’s 65th-minute goal, keeping their title hopes alive. Reflecting on the journey, Fae expressed disbelief, stating, “It’s like a dream when you go back two weeks to the defeat here against Equatorial Guinea.”
Now, having overcome significant challenges, the Elephants are set to face neighbors Nigeria in the final on Sunday, February 11, at the same venue. This final showdown is a rematch of the group game, where the Super Eagles narrowly emerged as 1-0 victors, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the championship clash.
