The interim coach of The Elephants of Ivory Coast is talking tough on the chances of his side at the ongoing AFCON 2023 tournament following their triumph over Senegal.
The former midfielder was made to step in as a replacement for Jean Louis Gasset following the hosts disappointing 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in the last group encounter.
In his debut game, Emerse Fae made some structural changes by introducing Jean Michel Seri and Odilon Kossonou as the hosts shocked defending champions Senegal.
Ivory Coast after conceding in the 4th minute courtesy Habiba Diallo had an equalizer from Frank Kessie from the spot after a VAR review between Nicolas Pepe and Edouard Mendy with few minutes to the regulation time.
Ivory Coast qualification into the quarter finals marked a dramatic turn of events as a team that needed the favour of Morocco beating Zambia before making it into the last 8.
“We had a difficult start, conceding an early goal, but I told the players at half-time to keep playing the same way not to get confused”. Fae told Cafonline.
The former midfielder took responsibility for tactical decisions during the match.
“It was my decision on what needed to be done. With Gasset I would give an opinion and he will take the decision,” the interim coach explained.
Emerse Fae indicated that he was under intense pressure before the showdown with Senegal.
“There was a lot of pressure before the game and the match day was too long for me. I couldn’t nap as usual, thinking about all scenarios. If I say there was no pressure, I would be lying”. Fae confessed.
“Qualifying after Morocco’s win gave us confidence. We beat Senegal and eliminated them; morale is good”. Emerse Fae said. The Interim Coach stressed the team will not be carried away as tough lies ahead.
“We are not stopping here; we must continue working, maintain this morale, and keep playing match by match,” Fae added.
Emerse Fae has really inspired the Ivorians as they seek a 3rd continental glory on home soil.