Cote d’Ivoire coach Emerse Fae reveals halftime strategy behind AFCON comeback against Super Eagles

In a stunning revelation following Cote d’Ivoire’s triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Emerse Fae has shed light on the halftime instructions that fueled their remarkable comeback.

Fae’s strategic halftime team talk proved key in guiding the Elephants to a sensational 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Sunday’s final.

Former international Fae emerged as a hero in Cote d’Ivoire after inspiring his team to overturn a 1-0 deficit and clinch their third AFCON title.

Speaking on Instagram, Fae disclosed his keen observation of Nigeria’s fatigue and subpar performance in the first half, despite leading 1-0.

“We noticed the Nigerian players were tired in the first half,” remarked Fae. “They were not at their usual best.”

Fae’s astute analysis prompted him to rally his players to increase their intensity, a message that resonated profoundly as second-half goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller completed the dramatic turnaround.

“I told my players during the half-time break that we must increase the intensity of our game, and it worked out well for us,” shared the 40-year-old manager.

While William Troost-Ekong initially fired Nigeria ahead with a powerful header, Ivory Coast emerged from halftime with renewed purpose and determination.

The Elephants capitalized on Fae’s halftime strategy, with Kessie’s header canceling out Troost-Ekong’s opener before Haller’s late goal sealed their historic victory.

By exploiting Nigeria’s fatigue and executing Fae’s instructions effectively, Ivory Coast secured a famous 2-1 triumph, clinching their third AFCON glory on home soil.