Frenchman Herve Renard named as Ivory Coast coach for second spell ahead of Afcon qualifying
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- Herve Renard returns as Ivory Coast coach aiming for a third Africa Cup of Nations title, after previously winning in 2015 with them and in 2012 with Zambia.
- Renard replaces Emerse Fae following their World Cup last-32 exit and will lead Afcon 2027 qualifying starting in September.
- Tunisia appointed Moine Chaabani as new coach until 2030 after several coaching changes, preparing for their Afcon qualifying campaign in Group H.
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Then Tunisia coach Herve Renard before their World Cup group game against the Netherlands in Kansas City, Missouri on June 25, 2026. He will coach Ivory Coast for a second time.
PHOTO: REUTERS
ABIDJAN – Well-travelled French coach Herve Renard has returned to take over Ivory Coast, who he led to the African title in 2015.
The appointment of the 57-year-old, who was an emergency replacement for Tunisia during the World Cup in June, was announced by the Ivorian football federation in a statement on Aug 4.
He replaces Emerse Fae, whose contract was not renewed after the World Cup despite the Ivorians reaching the knockout stages for the first time in four appearances before being eliminated by Norway in the round of 32.
Renard has also coached Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Zambia, who he steered to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012.
He was parachuted in during the World Cup to take over Tunisia after they lost their opening game 5-1 against Sweden and then sacked Sabri Lamouchi.
But he had little success in reviving their fortunes as the Tunisians then lost to Japan and the Netherlands, conceding a further seven goals.
They were the only one of the 10 African teams at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States who did not progress to the round of 32.
Renard has also coached the national teams of Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Zambia, with whom he won the Afcon title in 2012.
He was also coach of France’s women’s team at the Paris Olympics two years ago.
Renard will aim for a third Afcon title in 2027 when the tournament is co-hosted in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Ivorians begin their qualifying campaign in September with a crunch clash at home to fellow World Cup side, and neighbours, Ghana, before another Group C game with Somalia four days later.
Earlier on Aug 4, Tunisia appointed Moine Chaabani as head coach of the national team until 2030.
The 45-year-old left Moroccan club Renaissance de Berkane in early August after guiding them to their first domestic league title in the 2024-25 season and the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup crown.
Chaabani, who won two CAF Champions League titles with Tunisian club Esperance, will be taking charge of a national team for the first time.
Tunisia have appointed seven coaches since 2024 and will begin their Afcon qualifying campaign in September, facing Uganda, Libya and Botswana in Group H. REUTERS
