Fae under fire as Ivory Coast seek back-to-back AFCON titles
Johannesburg:coachemersefaehasdefended several contentious squad decisions as Ivory Coast atempt to become the first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holders to defend the title since Egypt did so 15 years ago.
Since Egypt defeated Ghana in the 2010 final, there have been eight AFCON tournaments that produced seven different winning nations.
The exception was Ivory Coast, who conquered Africa in 2015 ater a penalty shootout with Ghana and triumphed again last year, coming from behind at home to edge Nigeria.
The Elephants, whose first of three AFCON titles came in 1992, begin their defence against Mozambique on December 24 in Group F, then face five-time champions Cameroon and Gabon.
All six mini-league winners and runners-up automaticallyadvancetotheroundof16inmorocco.they will be joined by the best four third-placed teams.
It is difficult to imagine the Ivorians not progressing to the knockout stage, and Fae is upbeat while answering critics of several selections.
The exclusions of Villarreal forward Nicolas Pepe and Sunderland winger Simon Adingra were at the forefront of media criticism.
“If we were to consider only the sporting aspect, he (Pepe) would be with us,” said Fae, a 41-year-old former Ivory Coast midfielder.
“To make a list you have to take into account many factors, both on and off the field. All these factors have led to Nico not being on the list.”
Fae did not reveal what factors led to former Arsenal striker Pepe being omited despite good form in La Liga, where he won a player of the month award this season.
Turning to Adingra, Fae said: “Simon is struggling to earn a starting spot at Sunderland. We had to do without his qualities when making our selection.”
Former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has been recalled ater a three-year absence having impressed for Major League Soccer oufit Charlote.
“His ability to beat defenders and his current form worked in his favour,” said Fae of an atacker who has scored 10 goals this season and created six more.
“Ivory Coast can benefit from his experience and capability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.”
Fae became a national hero ater Ivory Coast recovered from a woeful 2024 group campaign to beat Senegal, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria to lit the most prized African trophy.