Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast have confirmed the sacking of coach Jean-Louis Gasset, despite their tournament hopes still being alive.
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Ivory Coast thrashed in AFCONHosts sacked manager GassetCan still qualify for next roundWHAT HAPPENED?
The sacking of the coach and his assistant was announced on Wednesday by Ivory Coast, just two days after his team were humiliated 4-0 in their second Group A match against Equatorial Guinea, which had followed a 1-0 defeat against Nigeria. The Elephants finished the round third in their group with three points.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT IVORY COAST SAID
A statement from the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) said: "The contracts of the Elephants Coach Jean Louis Gasset and his deputy Ghislain Marie Joseph were terminated for insufficient results in accordance with the objective contract which linked them to the FIF."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ivory Coast have taken the decision to sack Gasset despite the competition hosts still having a chance of progressing to the last 16. The four best ranked third-placed teams from the group stage will go through to the next round and Ivory Coast make the cut as things stand. If Zambia lose to Morocco on Wednesday, Ivory Coast will definitely be among the last 16 teams. Even if Zambia win or draw, Ivory Coast will still progress if Namibia lose to Mali in Group E.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Ivory Coast fans will find out the team's fate on Wednesday. If they make it through to the knockout stage, they will take on reigning champions Senegal, who finished top of Group C with three wins.