Côte d’Ivoire’s head coach, Emerse Faé, has emphasized the need for unwavering focus as his team prepares to face Burkina Faso in a vital last-16 match at the Africa Cup of Nations. This encounter is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Stade de Marrakech.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Journey to the Knockout Stage
The Ivorians advanced to the knockout rounds by topping Group F. They recorded two wins over Gabon and Mozambique, alongside a draw against Cameroon. Coach Faé highlighted the commitment displayed during their 1-1 draw with Cameroon on December 28 as essential for their upcoming challenge.
Key Insights from Coach Faé
- Faé called for a complete effort, stating, “We need to give it 100 percent against Burkina Faso.”
- He stressed that once the match begins, statistics become irrelevant.
- Both teams share the common goal of reaching the quarter-finals.
Côte d’Ivoire’s path has been notably smoother in this tournament compared to their 2025 campaign on home soil, where they faced a humiliating defeat against Equatorial Guinea. Following that loss, the Ivorian Football Federation replaced coach Jean-Louis Gasset with Faé, who had been his assistant.
Player Updates and Team Dynamics
This year, the team benefits from the return of Simon Adingra and Sébastien Haller, who are fully fit and ready to contribute. Adingra was named the best young player at the 2023 Africa Cup, although he missed out on the current tournament. Haller has also faced injury challenges recently.
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo has emerged as a key player for Côte d’Ivoire, scoring two goals during the group stages. However, Faé has emphasized that scoring is a collective responsibility, stating, “Everyone has a role to play. We all have to be pragmatic in front of goal.”
Burkina Faso’s Preparedness
Burkina Faso, advancing to the knockout rounds for the third consecutive tournament, progressed as Group E runners-up. Head coach Brama Traoré has instilled a competitive spirit in his team, urging them to embrace challenges by stating, “To be champions, you have to beat the champions.”
Match Expectations
Côte d’Ivoire, as the defending champions, is favored due to their higher FIFA ranking, sitting 20 places above Burkina Faso. However, Faé warned against underestimating their opponents, noting, “They are going to cause us problems.” He recognizes the risks involved and calls for serious preparation.
The match winner will face Egypt on January 10 at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, marking a significant step towards the championship.
