Côte d’Ivoire coach expresses frustration over quarter-final defeat to Egypt

Côte d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé expressed disappointment after his team’s 3-2 quarter-final loss to Egypt at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt absorbed Côte d’Ivoire pressure, with efficient finishing proving decisive against the Elephants’ dominance.
“We are frustrated by tonight’s result. We prepared well, but we made too many mistakes at key moments to hope to beat Egypt.
“It hurts to concede the first goal so early, and then the second. We reacted to make it 2-1, but the third goal put us in trouble,” Faé said.
Faé admitted lapses in concentration cost his team dearly.
“It’s hard to explain these mistakes.
“We will continue to work hard as we prepare for the World Cup,” he said.
The coach, however, praised his players’ fight in spite of the result, describing the final minutes as intense and competitive.
“Kessié, Fofana, and Diallo pressed until Guéla Doué reduced the deficit. The team never gave up.
“We laid siege with corners, crosses, and aerial balls, but Egypt’s defence, led by El Shenawy, held firm until the final whistle,” Faé said.
Côte d’Ivoire’s exit ends their title defence, but Faé said that he remains focused on improving for upcoming international competitions.

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