Renard named Côte d’Ivoire coach

Herve Renard, the French coach who guided Côte d’Ivoire to their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, has returned to lead the national team, the Ivorian federation announced in a statement. Renard takes over from Emerse Fae, whose contract was not renewed despite leading the team to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in four appearances. Fae's tenure ended after Côte d'Ivoire's elimination by Norway in the last 32. Renard was a late replacement for Tunisia during the World Cup, but he could not revive their fortunes, as they were eliminated without progressing to the Round of 32. The 57-year-old coach brings a wealth of experience, having previously managed the national teams of Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Zambia, with whom he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012. He also coached France's women's team at the Paris Olympics. Renard will aim for a third continental title next year when Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-host the tournament. Côte d'Ivoire begins its qualifying campaign next month with a match against Ghana, followed by a game against Somalia.