Women’s Football: Reynald Pedros confirmed as new Cote d’Ivoire head coach

Reynald Pedros has been appointed as the new head coach of the Cote d’Ivoire’s women’s national team, marking a new chapter in the career of the French tactician.

A two-time winner of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Olympique Lyonnais in 2018 and 2019, Pedros succeeds Clémentine Touré, who held the position for 13 years.

Pedros' appointment reflects the Ivorian Football Federation's (FIF) desire to take the team to the next level and revitalize the Elephants’ aim of qualifying for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The last time the Ivorians participated in this competition was in 2014, where they finished third and left a mark on the women’s game in Africa.  

The team has only participated once in the Women’s World Cup, in 2015, where they did not make it past the group stage.

Since then, Cote d’Ivoire is yet to qualify for the global showpiece, and this is where Pedros' experience and expertise should play a crucial role.

The French coach arrives with an impressive track record, including leading Morocco to the Round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and securing a runners-up finish at the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.