Against all odds, Ivory Coast emerged as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the tournament's history. What seemed like a disastrous campaign ended with the "Elephants" lifting the coveted trophy, thanks to an extraordinary series of events and the leadership of Emerse Faé, who stepped in mid-tournament to guide his nation to glory.

A Rocky Start and a Leadership Change

Ivory Coast’s AFCON journey began on shaky ground. A humiliating 0-4 defeat against Equatorial Guinea in the group stage left the hosts reeling and on the brink of elimination. That loss proved to be the breaking point, leading to the dismissal of French coach Jean-Louis Gasset before the team even knew if they were officially out of the tournament.

Despite their poor form, a series of fortunate results allowed Ivory Coast to scrape through to the knockout stage as the last best third-placed team. With their survival secured in dramatic fashion, the reins were handed to Emerse Faé, whose task was monumental: to rescue a team seemingly out of contention and lead them against the reigning champions, Senegal, in the round of 16.

A Fairytale Knockout Run

Facing Senegal, the defending AFCON champions, seemed an insurmountable challenge for a struggling Ivory Coast side. Yet, the Elephants refused to give in. A late equalizer in the 86th minute forced extra time, and in the penalty shootout, they stunned Senegal to book a place in the quarterfinals.

Their resilience was on full display again in the next round. Up against Mali, they equalized in the 90th minute to push the match into extra time. Just two minutes into the additional period, they scored the decisive goal to advance, keeping their unlikely dream alive.

In the semifinals, Ivory Coast defeated DR Congo with a controlled and determined performance, setting the stage for a historic final against Nigeria.

The Grand Finale

The final was a fitting climax to Ivory Coast’s incredible journey. Falling behind early, the Elephants mounted an epic comeback, overturning the deficit to claim the title in dramatic fashion. The victory marked their third AFCON title, with their previous triumphs coming in 1992 and 2015.

Emerse Faé: A Historic Achievement

Emerse Faé’s appointment as coach during the tournament was a bold gamble, but it paid off spectacularly. He not only revitalized the team but also became the first manager to win the AFCON without starting the competition in charge. His leadership and ability to inspire his players turned a disjointed squad into champions.

A Triumph for the Ages

Ivory Coast’s path to the 2023 AFCON title will be remembered as one of the most improbable and inspiring stories in African football history. From the humiliation of the group stage to the heights of continental glory, the Elephants proved that perseverance and belief can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Their victory is not just a testament to their resilience but also a moment of immense pride for their nation, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of African football.