Emerse Fae has been recognized as the Best Coach of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for his pivotal role in orchestrating Côte d’Ivoire’s remarkable resurgence during the tournament.
The 40-year-old former international player assumed the role of caretaker coach when the host nation faced imminent elimination from the competition, suffering a disheartening 1-0 defeat to Nigeria and a devastating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.
Under Fae's astute leadership, Côte d’Ivoire underwent a remarkable transformation, staging an impressive comeback to eliminate defending champions Senegal in the round of 16. They followed this up with a sensational victory over Mali in the quarterfinals, showcasing resilience and tactical acumen.
In the semifinals, Fae's tactical prowess guided Côte d’Ivoire to a comfortable win over DR Congo, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown against favorites Nigeria.
Despite trailing to William Troost-Ekong's powerful header late in the first half, Fae's strategic adjustments inspired a spirited comeback. Franck Kessie's equalizer in the 62nd minute shifted the momentum, and Sebastian Haller sealed the victory with a decisive goal from Adingra's cross.
Crowning a remarkable journey to the final, which witnessed the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two group stage defeats, Côte d’Ivoire clinched their third continental title with a well-deserved triumph.
This historic victory not only adds to the Ivorians' previous Nations Cup triumphs in 1992 and 2015 but also etches their name in the annals of history as the first tournament hosts to lift the trophy since Egypt's triumph in 2006.
