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Cote D’Ivoire Coach Renard: Ghana Will Bounce Back After AFCON Loss

Cote D’Ivoire Coach Renard: Ghana Will Bounce Back After AFCON Loss

Cote D’Ivoire defeated Ghana in a penalty shootout 9-8 following a goalless 120 minutes in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday night in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.

The result allowed the Elephants, led by former Zambia coach Herve Renard, to lift the trophy and earn the title of African champion for the second time in their history.

The Ivorian national team tactician is now the first coach to have won the AFCON with two different teams following his victory in the tournament with the Chipolopolo in 2012. Interestingly, at the time, he beat Cote D’Ivoire in a penalty shootout in the final.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Frenchman had kind and encouraging words for his opponents.

“Ghana is a good side and I have had the privilege of working with some of them and I think they will bounce back,” the coach said to the assembled media.

“This is their second defeat in the final since 2010 while this would have been our third so they may be lucky the next one they are in next time.

“For me I can say I am a lucky coach who had the pleasure of working with extra-ordinary group of players,” he added.

Renard will now be in demand once again, as he was after winning the continental title with Zambia three years ago. His track record speaks for itself, and the 2017 AFCON may see him return to the competition with a new national team, as he looks to increase his record and solidify his footprint at the Nations Cup.