Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae was left speechless after the Elephants defeated Nigeria 2-1 to lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title at home on Sunday.

In the final at a packed Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Nigeria had taken the lead courtesy of defender William Troost-Ekong but the Elephants came back to win the contest and lift their third AFCON title.

Speaking after the match where he was welcome by a huge round of applause by members of the media, the man who took over from Jean-Louis Gasset said it was hard to fathom that they came from almost being knocked out, to winning the title.

“I still find it hard to believe it. We went through all the emotions. This competition will mark my life, that’s for sure. I took the reins of the team, on my birthday and we were almost knocked out, yet things turned around thanks to the hard work of these players and today they have been rewarded and more importantly, they rewarded our loyal people,” said Fae.

Fae also took home the Best Coach of the Tournament award for showing tactical acumen in guiding the Elephants to a pole finish.