Mandate unchanged for Ivory Coast mentor Emerse Fae

The 41-year-old famously took over from Jean-Louis Gasset during the knockout stages of the previous tournament and went on to lead the Elephants to continental glory on home soil, a triumph that secured his appointment as permanent head coach.

With Ivory Coast set to face Burkina Faso in the round of 16 in Marrakesh on Tuesday, Faé insists the mandate remains unchanged as the champions begin their title defence.

"I just want to achieve the same thing we achieved in Côte d'Ivoire. It will be difficult because we are not at home, but we are ready for that because this is a goal for the whole country."

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The Elephants finished first in their group after clawing their way back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Gabon, a result that pleased Fae following wholesale changes to the starting eleven.

Fae will also be counting not only on talisman Amad Diallo, but attacker Wilfried Zaha to also pick up the pace in the knockout phase.

"Wilfred Zaha is getting better day by day, we cannot forget that he stopped his championship in November, so he has worked hard to be fit and ready for the rest of this tournament."