Ivory Coast’s national football team, the Elephants, secured the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 title, completing one of modern football's most stunning turnarounds.
The team faced early elimination as hosts after a crushing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea on January 22, 2024. Coach Jean-Louis Gasset was fired, and 40-year-old Emerse Faé, with no senior international coaching experience, took charge.
This change marked the beginning of a remarkable recovery. Ivory Coast advanced through the knockout stages, defeating reigning champions Senegal on penalties and overcoming Mali and DR Congo. They eventually triumphed in the final against Nigeria, with goals from Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller securing the victory. This win marked their third AFCON title, following victories in 1992, 2015, and 2023.
The Elephants' journey mirrors Ivory Coast's history of resilience. The national team has long served as a symbol of unity in a diverse nation, particularly during the early 2000s civil conflict. The team’s 2006 World Cup qualification was a significant moment of national healing. This current AFCON victory reinforces the idea of collective achievement and coexistence.
Under Emerse Faé, the team has developed a clear tactical identity. They employ a compact 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing organized pressing and rapid transitions. The squad for upcoming matches, announced on May 15, shows a focus on youth and current form, with notable omissions like Sébastien Haller. The team's average age is 26, signifying a squad in its prime and built for sustained success.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Ivory Coast is drawn in Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. Faé has stated his team will play with courage and attacking intent, a mentality that fueled their AFCON triumph. They aim to achieve their first-ever World Cup knockout victory, building on their continental success.