Faé Urges Focus as Ivory Coast Open AFCON Campaign

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has warned his players to avoid overconfidence as the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions prepare to face Mozambique in their opening Group F match in Marrakesh.

The Ivorians are still basking in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the 2023 final, but Faé insists past success counts for little at this level.

“We've all prepared well, technically, physically and mentally,” said the former international, adding that “we know what the competition is like… we're ready to rise to the challenge.”

Faé knows how quickly fortunes can change. Cote d'Ivoire stumbled through the group stage in 2023, sacking Jean-Louis Gasset before scraping into the knockout rounds as a third-placed team. The hosts then rode their luck, edging Senegal on penalties, surviving Mali despite playing with ten men, and finally finding rhythm in the semi-finals and final.

This time, Faé says the focus is on consistency, even with Sebastian Haller injured and Simon Adingra omitted from the squad.

Mozambique captain Domingues believes the underdogs can play without fear, saying players must “enjoy the experience… enjoy with responsibility”.