Frenchman Renard Named Ivory Coast Coach for Second Spell

Frenchman Renard has been named coach of Ivory Coast for a second spell, taking over from Emerse Fae.

Fae's deal 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 last 32.

Renard was an emergency replacement for Tunisia during the World Cup in June. He was parachuted in after the Tunisians lost their opening game 5-1 to Sweden.

He had little success in reviving their fortunes, however, as Tunisia went on to lose 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 that did not progress to the Round of 32.

The 57-year-old has also coached the national teams of Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Zambia, with whom he won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012. He was also in charge of France's women's team at the Paris Olympics two years ago.

Renard will now aim for a third Cup of Nations title next year, when the tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

His first assignment comes quickly. Ivory Coast begin their qualifying campaign next month with a crunch clash at home against neighbours and fellow World Cup side Ghana, before a second Group C fixture against Somalia four days later.