Emerse Fae Receives Recognition as Best Coach of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Emerse Fae has been acknowledged as the Best Coach of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for his pivotal role in guiding Côte d’Ivoire to an impressive revival during the tournament.

The 40-year-old former international player assumed the role of interim coach as Côte d’Ivoire faced potential elimination from the competition, suffering defeats against Nigeria and a heavy loss to Equatorial Guinea.

Under Fae’s leadership, Côte d’Ivoire orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, eliminating the defending champions Senegal in the round of 16, staging a stunning comeback against Mali in the quarterfinals, and securing a convincing victory over DR Congo in the semifinals.

In the final held at the Alhassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, the Elephants scripted a memorable comeback, clinching a 2-1 victory over favorites Nigeria.

Despite William Troost-Ekong scoring for Nigeria late in the first half, Franck Kessie equalized in the 62nd minute before Sebastian Haller scored the winning goal from a cross by Adingra.

Marking a historic moment, Côte d’Ivoire claimed their third continental title, adding to their previous Nations Cup triumphs in 1992 and 2015, becoming the first host nation to win since Egypt in 2006.