By James Robert Kayindi
After becoming the first man to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with two different countries, Herve Renard has named his self a lucky coach. The French man made history on Sunday after he guided the Elephants of Ivory Coast to AFCON victory just three years after winning it with the Chipolopolo of Zambia.
“We were lucky. We were down 2-0 and came back from behind. I tried to tell them that even on penalties, it will be okay for us but you have to persuade them it will be our time because it is the same like in 1992. I believe in the history and I’m a lucky coach,” an extremely excited Herve Renard told SuperSport.
The Frenchman was also quick to admit that the job wasn’t easy and also highlighted the missing good talent like Didier Drogba who didn’t play at the tournament.
“The game was very tough; I think the two teams were a bit tired after five games and nobody wanted to attack so I feel it’s coming from God, coming from the luck but you have also to be strong. Everybody worked very hard. Maybe we were not strong like before because we missed some talents. You know a big player like Didier Drogba didn’t win this cup with Ivory Coast. It is a shame he is not here but I will like to give him a part of this cup because he deserves it,” Renard added.
Cote d’Ivoire repeated history when they luckily edged Ghana 9-8 in a penalty shootout to win their second title of the Africa Cup of Nations and ending a 23-year-trophy-drought since 1992 when they also beat the Black Stars by 11-10 on a penalty shootout.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com
