The Ivorian football federation (FIF) announced on Tuesday that Herve Renard has returned for a second spell as head coach. The 57-year-old Frenchman, who led Ivory Coast to 2015 Africa Cup of Nations glory, replaces Emerse Fae.
Fae was not retained despite guiding The Elephants to the 2024 AFCON title and leading the team to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in June, where they lost 2-1 to Norway in the last 32.
Renard brings significant experience in African football, having coached Zambia to an emotional AFCON triumph in 2012. His resume also includes coaching spells at Morocco, Ghana, and Angola.
His recent career includes managing Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, where they defeated eventual champions Argentina. He returned to the Saudi role in 2024 but was fired before this year’s World Cup. Previously, he managed Tunisia following a 5-1 loss to Sweden, overseeing subsequent defeats to Japan and the Netherlands.
Renard’s first task is the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in September. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Renard had the thankless task of being hired as Tunisia coach after they lost their opening World Cup group match 5-1 to Sweden, before overseeing two more heavy defeats by Japan and the Netherlands.
