AFCON: I still find it hard to believe, says Cote d’Ivoire’s Fae

Emerse Fae, coach of the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, says he still finds it hard to believe that his team won Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.

Fae, at the post-match press conference, said he was overwhelmed by the great feeling of guiding the Elephants to glory on home soil.

Cote d’Ivoire came from behind to seal a 2-1 victory over Nigeria at a packed Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe on Sunday evening.

The man who took over from Jean-Louis Gasset said it was hard to fathom that they came from almost being knocked out, to winning the title.

“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,” said the coach.

Fae also took home the Best Coach of the Tournament award for showing tactical acumen in guiding the Elephants to trophy.