2023 AFCON: Côte d’Ivoire's Emerse Fae wins Best Coach Award

Emerse Faeer has been honoured with the title of Best Coach of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament for orchestrating a remarkable turnaround for Côte d’Ivoire during the tournament.

Initially appointed as caretaker coach after a rocky start for the host nation, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Nigeria and a demoralizing 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea, Fae swiftly turned the team's fortunes around.

Under Fae's guidance, the Elephants staged a series of sensational victories, starting with the elimination of defending champions Senegal in the round of 16.

They continued their impressive run by staging a memorable comeback against Mali in the quarterfinals, securing a thrilling win in extra time, before comfortably defeating DR Congo in the semifinals.

The crowning moment came in the final showdown against favourites Nigeria at the Alhassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Despite trailing 1-0 after a goal from William Troost-Ekong late in the first half, Côte d’Ivoire showed remarkable resilience.

Franck Kessie equalized in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, before Sebastian Haller sealed the victory with a decisive goal from a well-delivered cross by Adingra.

This triumph marked the third continental title for the Ivorians, adding to their previous victories in 1992 and 2015.

Furthermore, they made history by becoming the first tournament hosts to clinch the title since Egypt in 2006.

The victory underscored not only Fae's tactical prowess but also the team's determination and resilience in the face of adversity, making it a truly unforgettable chapter in African football history.