World Cup 2026 (Q): Emerse Faé sets his goals for Côte d'Ivoire

Placed in Group F and currently 2nd in the standings, Côte d'Ivoire aims to gather enough points in the next two World Cup 2026 qualifying matches to take the top spot. These are the wishes of the Elephants' coach, Emerse Faé.

Coach Emerse Faé recently held a press conference ahead of facing Burundi this Friday, away, for the 5th round of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The Ivorian tactician, true to his principles, is all about securing victories for his team. First, this Friday, March 21, 2025, against Burundi and a few days later against Gambia. The objective is clear to everyone: the Elephants must qualify for this competition, especially after missing out in 2022.

The goals have been clear since the beginning of the gathering. We said we came here to take the three points. And return to Abidjan to prepare for the second match with confidence and serenity. So the goal for this Friday is clear: it's to win.

This international break is therefore crucial for the Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire. And Emerse Faé is wary of Burundi, the next opponent:

We know this team well. We played them two years ago in a friendly match. We beat them handily. But as I explained to their coach earlier, it's a team that has improved a lot over the past two years. It's a team that isn't afraid to play, that tries to play with their strengths. They have many small, very technical, very lively players who are very fast on counterattacks. We know the opponent. They will come with motivation. If we underestimate them and aren't serious in the match, we could have unpleasant surprises. We come with confidence, but we also respect the opponent. We will be careful not to be caught off guard by our opponents.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.