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Emerse Fae, the interim coach of the Ivory Coast national team, is reveling in his team’s triumph at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, seeing it as a form of “revenge” after an early retirement from playing due to health issues.
The 40-year-old Fae, who took over as interim coach midway through the tournament, guided the Elephants to a remarkable 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final, securing Ivory Coast’s third continental title.
“It’s a revenge for me, on football and on life in general, because I had to stop playing at 28 as it was jeopardizing my health,” Fae expressed in an interview with Newsday on the BBC World Service.
Fae’s coaching journey began after hanging up his boots due to vein inflammation issues in his legs. His managerial career reached new heights with the Africa Cup of Nations triumph, fulfilling a long-standing ambition to win trophies as a coach after being denied the opportunity as a player.
The road to victory was not easy for Ivory Coast, who faced challenges throughout the tournament. Trailing in several matches, including the last-16 tie against Senegal and the quarter-final against Mali, the Elephants showcased resilience and determination to secure crucial wins.
The final against Nigeria saw Ivory Coast come from behind once again, with second-half goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller sealing the historic victory.
The triumph holds special significance for Fae, who sees it as a vindication of his decision to transition from player to coach. “Since then, I’ve decided I was going to win every trophy as a manager that I did not win as a player. I had this idea in mind for a very long time,” Fae remarked.
The celebrations extended beyond the football pitch, with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara joining in post-match celebrations and thousands of fans lining the streets of Abidjan for a trophy parade.
Fae’s coaching journey is a testament to perseverance and determination, with his family playing a significant role in his success. Despite his father’s inability to witness the final in person due to stress, Fae’s triumph was an emotional moment for his family, including his cousins in Ivory Coast who supported him throughout the competition.
Looking ahead, Fae remains ambitious, setting his sights on future successes with the Ivory Coast national team. With qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Fae dreams of leading his team to glory on the global stage.
As Fae reflects on his journey from player to coach, he emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation before making any decisions about his future. “We are tired, it has been a long tournament. My neck is hurting, I need a bit of time off and my family deserves it as well; it has been stressful for them too,” Fae concluded.
