Emerse Fae, overwhelmed with joy, reflected on Ivory Coast's sensational victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The Elephant's stunning 2-1 comeback against Nigeria at the bustling Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe left fans in awe on Sunday evening.
Despite William Troost-Ekong's early goal for the Super Eagles, second-half strikes from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller propelled the host nation to glory.
Addressing the media amidst thunderous applause, Fae, who took over from Jean-Louis Gasset, described the journey from the brink of elimination to clinching the title as surreal.
"It’s still sinking in. We experienced every emotion imaginable. This tournament will stay with me forever. I assumed leadership on my birthday, and we were on the verge of elimination. Yet, through the relentless effort of these players, fortunes turned, and today, they've been rewarded especially our loyal fans," expressed the coach.
Fae's tactical brilliance earned him the prestigious Best Coach of the Tournament award, further highlighting his instrumental role in Ivory Coast's triumphant finish.
Additionally, Ivory Coast received a substantial reward of $7 million as prize money for their remarkable victory in the tournament, adding to the celebration of their historic achievement.
