How Emerse Faé Turned Ivory Coast’s Fortunes Around

Emerse Faé, the caretaker coach of the Ivory Coast national football team, played an undeniably pivotal role in turning the team’s fortunes around during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.

Born January 24, 1984, in France, Faé took up a career as a professional footballer. He played as a midfielder and is currently the manager of the Ivory Coast national football team. He played for France’s national teams at the youth level and the Ivory Coast national team at the senior international level.

As a professional player, Emerse Faé saw his career end prematurely due to persistent injuries. He spent the majority of his career at French club Nantes. (2003-2007).

From 2007 to 2009, he played for Reading FC before finishing his career at OGC Nice, where he stayed between 2009 and 2012. The midfielder was forced to retire on February 1, 2012, at just 28 years old, due to recurring blood clots.

Despite this setback, Faé, holding a Football Coaching Certificate, embarked on a coaching journey with the U19 team at French club Nice in 2012. He remained there until 2021 before taking charge of the reserve team at Clermont Foot 63.

He was appointed as Jean-Louis Gasset’s assistant for the Ivorian Elephants.

Faé was handed the caretaker role after Ivory Coast sacked their head coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, at the brink of elimination in the group stages.

Faé, who was part of Gasset’s coaching staff, was tasked with the job of leading Ivory Coast after qualifying for the knockouts as the fourth-best third-place team.

Ivory Coast under its former coach, had one win and two losses in the group stages, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, and were in little or no shape to take on the Teranga Lions when Faé led them to a victory.

Fae’s ability to encourage and instil confidence in his players was a major driving force behind Ivory Coast’s rejuvenation. His leadership facilitated a resilient team spirit, evident in their victory over defending champions, Senegal and comeback performances and the determination displayed during critical moments in matches.

The Ivorians had to rally from behind on numerous occasions;

In the 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟔 against Senegal, Faé’s men found an 86th-minute equalizer to force the game to extra time and ultimately eliminated title holders Senegal on penalties.

In the 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 against Mali, Faé’s men played with 10 men from the 43rd minute and still got a 90th-minute equalizer and a goal in the second minute of extra time stoppage time to beat Mali.

And in the all-important 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥, Faé’s men found themselves falling behind but resurged in the 62nd minute and sealed it in the 81st-minute winner to defeat Nigeria.

The comeback victories reflected the mental toughness and never-give-up attitude formulated under Faé’s leadership.

Faé’s focus on individual player development played a crucial role, as well. Under his tutelage, players like Simon Adingra flourished, showcasing exceptional skills and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Fae’s belief in the potential of his squad was instrumental in unlocking their full capabilities.

At just 40 years old, Emerse Faé made history with Ivory Coast, as he led them to their first AFCON victory on home soil.