Ivory Coast Coach: 'Demanding Fans Won't Accept Not Winning Against Gabon; We Aim to Top AFCON Group'

Ivory Coast national team coach Emerse Faé affirmed that "The Elephants" will approach their match against Gabon, in the third round of the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025" group stage, with seriousness and ambition, aiming to finish the first phase at the top of the group.

Faé stated in the pre-match press conference: "The objective is clear: we want to finish the group stage in first place. That is important for continuing in the competition, for boosting confidence, and for the message we send."

The Ivorian coach emphasized his respect for the Gabonese national team, considering that they have players capable of making a difference at any moment, and anticipating facing "an aggressive team that will fight to end the competition positively."

Faé highlighted the importance of improving defensive performance, confirming that the technical staff focused on this aspect after the last match against Cameroon, adding: "A team that wants to go far must be defensively solid. If we don't concede goals, our chances of winning will be greater."

He concluded: "We have a very demanding public that will not understand us not winning against Gabon, who lost their first two matches, even though they are a very good team. We will play this match as if we haven't qualified yet, and as if Gabon is still playing for a spot in the Round of 16. We will simply play to win."

It is worth noting that Ivory Coast and Cameroon share the top spot in Group F with four points each, followed by Mozambique with three points, while Gabon enters the match officially eliminated from the competition.