AFCON 2023: Arsenal legend Emmanuel Eboue hails Ivory Coast's interim coach Emerse Fae for positivity in the team

After finishing in third place in Group A and seeming certain to be eliminated from the tournament, the West Africans fired their manager, Jean-Louis Gasset.

The host country could only manage one win during their group-stage games leaving them with just three points. 

However, after moving to the next round as one of the top four third-place teams, Fae has led Ivory Coast to the quarterfinals by defeating champion Senegal on penalties in the last 16.

Arsenal legend and ex-Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Eboue has hailed the impact of the team’s interim coach.

Eboue told the BBC World Service, "Our country normally doesn't need any coaching because all the players are good. 

"They all play in good clubs in Europe so we just need someone who can talk to them nicely and bring a positive atmosphere to the group.

"This team were down and now they are up. They are so happy to play as a team and they have more confidence because they beat Senegal. I know [Emerse] having played against him and with him, so I am happy for him."

Ivory Coast, the host country will face Mali in the quarter-finals in Bouake on Saturday as they aim for the AFCON trophy.