Emerse Fae, the surprise hero who led Ivory Coast to a stunning Africa Cup of Nations victory as interim coach, has been rewarded with the job full-time. The Ivorian Football Federation officially announced the decision on Monday, ending speculation about Fae’s future after his remarkable feat.
“Emerse was until now interim coach and has just been confirmed today as full coach,” declared Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian federation. This decision comes after Fae steered the Elephants from the brink of elimination to continental glory.
Facing a potential group stage exit after winning only one match, Ivory Coast parted ways with veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset in January. With their backs against the wall, the team received a lifeline when favorable results allowed them to qualify as the last best-placed third-place team. Enter Fae, a former Ivorian international with no prior coaching experience, who stepped in to take the reins.
The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion. Fae orchestrated an incredible turnaround, defying all odds. Ivory Coast rallied from behind to snatch a penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal in the round of 16. The magic continued in the quarter-finals, where they overcame Mali in extra time despite playing with 10 men for much of the match. Victories over DR Congo and Nigeria followed, with both matches requiring late comebacks, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 win in the final against their West African rivals.
Fae’s remarkable achievement, guiding a team on the verge of collapse to continental glory, has earned him the full-time job and secured his place in Ivorian footballing history. With a proven ability to inspire and extract the best from his players, Fae’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the Elephants, one built on resilience, belief, and a touch of fairy-tale magic.
