CAN 2025 - Gabon vs Côte d'Ivoire: Emerse Faé sets the tone

Africa 30 December 2025 at 07:41

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Emerse Faé

31.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Gabon

Ivory Coast

At a press conference this Tuesday, Côte d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé set the tone for the upcoming clash against Gabon scheduled for Wednesday.

On the eve of Côte d'Ivoire's final group stage encounter against Gabon in this CAN 2025 campaign, Emerse Faé exuded calm yet resolute determination. The Ivorian manager is well aware of the nation's high expectations. "We don't feel any pressure for this match, but our fans are demanding. We have to win this game. We must play as if we haven't qualified yet," he declared.

The tactician revealed he plans to shake up his starting eleven for this third match: "Since it's a long tournament, there will be a few changes, a few tweaks for tomorrow's game."

Faé Emerse at the press conference
Before the Gabon match:

"Bayo is not fit for tomorrow's game. He is injured.

Yan Diomandé joined the squad with a calf issue, but he's doing fine. We'll manage his workload because we'll need him for the rest of the tournament... pic.twitter.com/mRndwLjJ7E
— SOUTIENAUXELEPHANTS🇨🇮 (@saedeciv) December 30, 2025