TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know Your Team: Côte d’Ivoire
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire are ready to defend their title as champions of Africa at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
With three AFCON titles (1992, 2015, and 2023) already in their trophy cabinet, the Ivorian side aims to secure a fourth crown to join the ranks of Africa’s most decorated football nations, such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Egypt.
Led by Emerse Faé, a coach who has already tasted continental success, Côte d’Ivoire enters the competition with a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, including the electric Simon Adingra.
The defending champions carry the expectations of a football-mad nation, determined to further cement their legacy.
Fact file
- Nickname: The Elephants
- AFCON Appearances: 25
- Best Performance: Winners (1992, 2015, 2023)
- FIFA Ranking: 46 (January 2025)
How They Got There
As defending champions, Côte d’Ivoire faced a challenging qualification campaign in Group G. They finished second behind Zambia with a record of four wins and two defeats. Despite the setbacks, the Elephants secured their ticket to Morocco 2025, ready to prove their mettle once again.
The Coach: Emerse Faé
Emerse Faé stepped into the spotlight on January 24, 2024, his 40th birthday, when he assumed full responsibility for Côte d’Ivoire’s national team during AFCON 2023. Taking over from Jean-Louis Gasset mid-tournament, Faé guided the Elephants to their third continental triumph, a feat that highlighted his tactical acumen and leadership.
Faé’s coaching philosophy revolves around dynamic attacking football, emphasizing ball possession and rapid transitions. His approach has reinvigorated the Elephants’ attacking prowess, as evidenced by their 12 goals in six qualifiers for AFCON 2025.
In an interview, Faé expressed his vision: “Our focus is on maintaining a balance between offensive creativity and defensive organization. We encourage initiative and boldness in attack while ensuring stability at the back.”
Player to Watch: Simon Adingra
At just 23 years old, Simon Adingra is one of the brightest talents in African football. The right winger, who plies his trade with Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, has consistently delivered standout performances.
Crowned Best Young Player at AFCON 2023, Adingra has earned comparisons to Ivorian legend Didier Drogba. Known for his blistering speed, silky dribbling, and pinpoint accuracy, Adingra thrives in creating opportunities and scoring decisive goals. His versatility allows him to excel on either wing or as a central forward, making him a critical asset for Côte d’Ivoire’s title defense.
Coach Emerse Faé shared his high expectations for Adingra, saying: “Simon Adingra is the future of Ivorian football. He has the potential to leave a legacy akin to Didier Drogba’s.”
Past Performances
Côte d’Ivoire has long been a powerhouse in African football, with three AFCON titles marking significant milestones in their history.
The first triumph came in 1992 when they edged Ghana 11-10 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Senegal. In 2015, they ended a 23-year drought, defeating Ghana once more on penalties (9-8) in Equatorial Guinea.
The most recent victory at AFCON 2023 was marked by resilience. Despite early struggles and a coaching change, the Elephants defeated Senegal, Mali, DR Congo, and Nigeria in the knockout stages, showcasing determination and tactical brilliance under Faé’s leadership.
Did You Know?
If Côte d’Ivoire clinches the AFCON 2025 title, they will join Ghana (4 titles), Cameroon (5 titles), and Egypt (7 titles) as one of the most decorated teams in AFCON history.
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire are poised to add another chapter to their storied legacy. With a talented squad and an ambitious coach, their pursuit of a fourth AFCON crown promises to captivate fans across the continent.
