Slonokoščena obala ponovno imenuje Herva Renarda za poskus ponovitve naslova AFCON

Ivory Coast have reappointed French coach Hervé Renard to lead their national team in a bid to win a second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The decision was confirmed by the Ivorian football federation, which stated that Renard, who previously guided the country to victory in the 2015 AFCON, would return to take charge. He replaces Emerse Fae, whose contract was not extended following the World Cup in North America, where Ivory Coast reached the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts before losing to Norway in the last 32. Renard's appointment comes after a turbulent period for the Ivorian team. Fae took over earlier this year amid uncertainty surrounding the team's performance, but his tenure ended abruptly after the World Cup. The federation opted to bring back Renard, who had been an interim coach for Tunisia during the World Cup after they suffered a heavy defeat to Sweden in their opening match. Despite efforts to turn things around, Tunisia failed to advance beyond the group stage, losing to Japan and the Netherlands while conceding seven goals in total. Renard, 57, brings extensive experience to the role. Over the years, he has managed several national teams, including Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Zambia. With Zambia, he won the AFCON in 2012, marking one of the highlights of his career. His work with Saudi Arabia saw them qualify for the 2026 World Cup, though his tenure there came to an end just before the tournament. In addition to his men's coaching roles, Renard also coached France’s women’s team at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The Ivorian federation believes Renard's track record gives him the best chance to guide the team toward another continental triumph. The upcoming AFCON, scheduled for 2025, will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ivory Coast will begin their qualification campaign soon, starting with a crucial home match against Ghana, a fellow World Cup participant and regional rival, before facing Somalia in a subsequent Group C fixture. Renard’s previous success with Ivory Coast was marked by a dominant display in the 2015 AFCON, where the team secured the title with a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair. His return is seen as a strategic move to build on that legacy and restore the nation’s dominance in African football. The federation expressed confidence in his ability to implement a cohesive strategy that can elevate the team’s performance on the international stage. The decision to appoint Renard follows a broader trend of seeking experienced coaches to steer national teams through challenging periods. Other African nations have also turned to established figures in recent years, reflecting a growing emphasis on stability and continuity in management. For Ivory Coast, the hope is that Renard’s leadership will provide the necessary structure and direction to achieve consistent results. Renard’s new role begins at a critical juncture for Ivorian football. The team faces stiff competition in both the qualifiers and the eventual tournament itself. With high expectations from fans and stakeholders alike, the pressure is on Renard to deliver results that justify the federation’s faith in his abilities. His approach will likely focus on strengthening defensive organization, improving midfield control, and ensuring the attack remains potent under pressure. The first test of Renard’s tenure will come in the form of the qualifier against Ghana, a match that could set the tone for the entire campaign. A strong performance in that encounter would be vital for building momentum and establishing credibility early on. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on Renard to see if he can replicate the success that made him a respected figure in African football.