Ivory Coast mourns AFCON-winning coach Jean-Louis Gasset

Ivory Coast football is in mourning after the death of veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who has died at the age of 72. Former club Montpellier confirmed his passing on Friday.

Gasset was appointed head coach of the Elephants for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, but his reign appeared doomed after a heavy 4-0 group-stage defeat to Equatorial Guinea. Ivory Coast finished third in their group, and he was dismissed shortly afterwards. The story took a dramatic turn when the hosts qualified as one of the best third-placed teams and later lifted the trophy under assistant Emerse Fae.

Despite his exit, the federation said “The disappearance of Mr. Jean-Louis Gasset represents a significant loss for Ivorian and international football… a man of duty and principles.” His groundwork and influence remained vital, securing his place in one of Africa’s greatest comeback stories ever. Football now reflects solemnly.