Former Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Eboue has praised interim coach Emerse Fae for creating a “positive atmosphere” in the national team, following a tumultuous period during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ivory Coast sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset after finishing third in Group A, leaving the tournament’s hosts on the brink of elimination.
However, under the leadership of Fae, the team progressed to the quarter-finals by defeating Senegal on penalties in the round of 16.
Speaking to the BBC World Service, Eboue expressed confidence in the players’ abilities, stating, “Our country normally doesn’t need any coaching because all the players are good. They all play for good clubs in Europe, so we just need someone who can talk to them nicely and create a positive atmosphere within the group.”
The former Arsenal defender also commended Fae for his impact, saying, “This team was down and now they are up. They are so happy to play as a team and they have more confidence because they beat Senegal. I know [Emerse] having played against him and with him, so I am happy for him.”
Ivory Coast is set to face Mali in the quarter-finals in Bouake on Saturday (17:00 GMT).
After the team faced uncertainty and needed other groups’ results to go their way to advance to the knockout stages, Eboue believes the squad now has a fresh start. He said, “When I spoke to the players before, they were all really down. When Morocco beat Zambia, it meant we qualified for the second round and we were so, so happy. All of us talked together and said we have to forget about what happened in the group.”
The return of Brighton winger Simon Adingra and Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller from injury has boosted Ivory Coast’s prospects. Haller played a part in the move that led to a late penalty against Senegal.
Despite the surprising results in the tournament, with Ivory Coast eliminating the defending champions, Eboue is optimistic about the team’s chances. He said, “We have Haller back and there is belief in the team, so I know the team is going to go forward and win the cup.”
With the African Cup of Nations taking place in their country, Eboue emphasized the significance of winning the title, stating, “The Afcon is in our country and people wish the country will win the cup. So many people are waiting for it.”
