AFCON 2025: Côté d’Ivoire’s Team Guide
The Elephants arrived at AFCON 2025 as the defending champions and arguably the most formidable force in West African football. Following their miracle run to the title on home soil in the previous edition, the Ivorians are looking to become the first team to successfully defend the crown since Egypt’s historic hat-trick in 2010.
Historical Performance and Tournament Record
The Ivory Coast is one of the most consistent participants in AFCON history, having qualified for the tournament 26 times. Over the decades, they have transitioned from perennial underachievers to a dominant continental powerhouse.
They are three-time champions, having lifted the trophy in 1992, 2015, and 2023. Their history is also marked by dramatic close calls, finishing as runners-up in 2006 and 2012 after losing in penalty shootouts. Their most recent victory in early 2024 was legendary; after nearly being eliminated in the group stage, they underwent a mid-tournament coaching change and roared back to defeat Nigeria 2–1 in the final. This resilience has become a hallmark of the current era, as they enter Morocco 2025 with the intent to prove their recent success was the start of a new dynasty.
Coach Profile: Emerse Faé
While your previous query mentioned Coach Pagou (who leads Cameroon), the Ivory Coast is led by the man who orchestrated their 2023 “resurrection,” Emerse Faé. Originally an assistant, Faé was thrust into the spotlight mid-tournament and performed so exceptionally that he was handed the permanent role shortly after.
Coaching Style:
Faé represents a new generation of African coaches who blend modern European tactical structures with deep emotional intelligence. His style is characterized by tactical flexibility and high-intensity transitions. Unlike the rigid systems of the past, Faé’s Ivory Coast is comfortable either dominating possession or sitting deep to exploit the pace of their wingers. He is widely praised for his man-management, creating a “close-knit” environment where players are willing to suffer for the collective cause. He is not afraid of bold decisions, often prioritizing current form and tactical fit over the reputation of big-name stars.
Players to Watch
The Elephants’ squad for 2025 is a terrifying mix of veteran leadership and some of the most exciting young talents in world football.
The standout star to watch is Amad Diallo, whose creative brilliance and technical flair at Manchester United have translated into a starring role for the national team. With the late injury absence of Sébastien Haller, much of the offensive burden falls on the shoulders of the returning Wilfried Zaha, whose veteran experience and dribbling ability add a veteran edge to the attack. In the center of the pitch, Franck Kessié remains the undisputed heartbeat of the team, providing the physical power and leadership required to control the tempo of high-stakes matches. Defensively, Evan Ndicka of AS Roma serves as the pillar of the backline, while the emergence of Ousmane Diomande provides the Elephants with one of the most promising young defensive duos in the tournament.
Group F: Schedule and Venues
As the top seed in Group F, the Ivory Coast faces a “Group of Death” scenario that will test their championship credentials from the very first whistle.
The Elephants begin their title defense today, December 24, 2025, against Mozambique at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. This will be followed by a massive heavyweight clash on December 28, 2025, as they face their historic rivals, Cameroon, in a match that is already being billed as a potential final preview, also taking place in Marrakech. They will conclude their group stage journey on December 31, 2025, staying in Marrakech to face a dangerous Gabon side. Having all three matches in the same city gives the Ivorians a logistical advantage as they look to secure the top spot in the group.
