Cote d’Ivoire reveal detailed plan for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title defence in Morocco

Côte d’Ivoire will finalise their preparations for the defence of their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title with a 10-day training camp in Spain ahead of the 2025 tournament in Morocco, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed.

The Elephants announced their extensive preparations for Africa's flagship sports competition as they look to defend their crown at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.

The reigning champions will hold a pre-tournament training camp in Marbella, Spain, where the final phase of their build-up will take place, this was announced by Ivorian FA Federation (FIF) president Yacine Idriss Diallo.

The Elephants, who lifted the trophy on home soil in February 2024, will assemble in Marbella from 10–20 December and are expected to play two friendly matches during the camp, President Diallo said following Saturday's FIF general assembly in Abidjan.

Opponents have not yet been officially announced, although one of the fixtures could be against DR Congo.

The camp is designed to fine-tune the squad before they travel to Morocco for the competition, which begins on 21 December.

Coach Emerse Faé will name his squad on 9 December before the team regroups the following day.

Côte d’Ivoire endured a mixed November international window, losing 1–0 to Saudi Arabia under former Elephants coach Hervé Renard before responding with a 2-0 victory over Oman.

With the holders set to feature in what many have labelled the “Group of Death”, the camp is seen as crucial to restoring confidence before the tournament begins on 21 December. 

Côte d’Ivoire open their Group F campaign against Mozambique on 24 December, face five-time champions Cameroon on 28 December, and conclude the group phase against Gabon on 31 December. 

The Elephants met Gabon during qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing 0-0 away and winning 1-0 at home.

FIF president Yacine Idriss Diallo also provided an update on organisational matters surrounding the campaign. He clarified that the technical staff’s proposed preparation programme had been approved by the Ministry of Sports.

The team will depart Marbella for Marrakech on 20 December, arriving in Morocco one day before the continental showpiece kicks off.