Ivory-Coast-Michel-Dussuyer
LIBREVILLE, (CAJ News) – MICHEL Dussuyer, the French coach, faces an uncertain future at the helm of the beleaguered Africa Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast.
The Elephants have bowed out at the group stage of the tournament in Gabon, their worst performance at the biennial competition in 15 years.
Dussuyer has taken responsibility for the poor showing, which culminated in a 1-0 defeat by Morocco at Oyem on Tuesday night.
“It is a huge disappointment. I am extremely disappointed,” said the 57-year-old trainer.
Asked about his future he said, “I know the debate will take place.”
“For now, I am extremely disappointed because the objectives are not met. We had the ambition to pass this first round and keep our title.”
The last time Ivory Coast failed to qualify for the knockout stage was in 2002 in Mali.
They finished last in a group that also featured Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo.
Another Frenchman Robert Nouzaret was the coach and stayed on until 2004.
Morocco coach, Herve Renard, the man Duddyer replaced in 2015, was humble in victory.
“We beat a team from Ivory Coast on a bad field. I have always been lucky. Hopefully the good star will continue to watch over me,” he said.
– CAJ News
