AFCON 2023: Host Cote d’Ivoire Sneaks Into Round Of 16, Sack Coach Jean-Louis

Hosts Cote D’Ivoire have qualified as one of the best third-placed teams for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16, following Morocco’s 1-0 win against Zambia and DR Congo’s goalless draw with Tanzania.

VerseSports understands that after their shocking group stage collapse, culminating in a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, the odds were stacked against the hosts.

Their fate didn’t lie in their own hands, resting precariously on the outcome of other matches.

Cote D’Ivoire will now face Senegal in the Round of 16.

The Ivorians secured their spot despite a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.

Morocco, as Group F winners, will face South Africa, while DR Congo, as runners-up, will face Egypt in the knockout stage.

Before the lucky qualification, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) earlier on Wednesday released an official statement saying they had terminated the contract of 70-year-old French coach Jean-Louis Gasset and his assistant Ghislain Printant.

Gasset, who has coached for more than 35 years in France and Spain, took over in Cote d’Ivoire from Patrice Beaumelle in May 2022.

The drastic move by the AFCON hosts comes on the heels of a similar decision by the Ghana Football Federation who have also relieved Chris Hughton of his role as Black Stars’ coach after a poor outing in Cote d’Ivoire

Emerse Faé, a former Ivorian midfielder will now lead the Elephants through the knockout stages as they now have another chance to continue their fight for a third AFCON title.