Ivory Coast Boss Reveals Plan to Dismantle ‘Defensive’ Harambee Stars and Qualify For 2026 World Cup

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has declared that his team will take a bold, attacking approach when they face Kenya in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night in Abidjan. 

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the Elephants’ boss emphasised his side’s determination to “finish the job” and book their ticket to the global showpiece.

Fresh from a long trip to Mauritius, where they beat Seychelles 5-0, Faé reassured fans that the squad had recovered well and was physically ready for the high-stakes clash. 

“We travelled in good conditions, the players have rested, and training sessions went smoothly,” said the coach. “Now, it’s about focusing on tomorrow’s game — a match that could send us directly to the World Cup.”

Kenya, who held Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in Malawi under former coach Engin Firat in 2024, did so via a compact and defensively disciplined approach— something Faé is determined to break down. 

“Most teams that play against us defend deep,” he said. “But we believe the best form of defence is attack. We’ll start strong, apply pressure, and show that we’re at home. The fans will push us, and that energy will help us impose our rhythm.”

The former international, who featured for the Elephants in the 2006 World Cup, played down personal milestones but stressed the national importance of qualification. 

“This isn’t about records,” he explained. “It’s about bringing Ivory Coast back to a competition we haven’t seen since 2014. For me and the country, it’s crucial that we make it.”

Asked about past heartbreaks — including the 2017 and 2021 qualifying failures — Faé dismissed any notion of a psychological burden.

 “If we start thinking negatively, that’s already a step toward failure,” he said. “We’ve learned from the past, but we’re focused on the positive. Our journey so far has been strong, and our destiny is in our own hands.”

Forward Kader Keita, also addressing the media, echoed his coach’s confidence. “We’re professionals; we know the pressure that comes with such games,” Keita said.

 “We’re united, we’re friends off the pitch, and that makes us stronger on it. Everyone is ready to fight for the team.”

Faé concluded with a rallying call to fans ahead of the sold-out fixture at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. 

“Come in numbers, make noise, and pray for your Elephants,” he urged. “Together, we’ll celebrate our qualification tomorrow.”