Ivory Coast’s Spy Game: Fay Reveals the Tactics Behind the Saudi Friendly

Emers Fay, head coach of the Ivory Coast national team, spoke about the friendly with Saudi Arabia scheduled for tomorrow in Jeddah as part of preparations for upcoming commitments.

The Elephants are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of the month and the 2026 World Cup, while the Green Falcons are gearing up for the Arab Cup in Qatar next month.

Fay stated at the pre-match press conference: "We're happy to be here and we’re excited for tomorrow’s game. Hervé Renard, the Saudi coach, has worked here before and knows us well; we are ready and will show the evolution of African football."

He also praised the venue, Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, adding: "While physical power is a big part of African football, there are also important tactical aspects to emphasize."

Spy role in scouting the opponent

Fay then discussed his key player Franck Kessié, captain of the Elephants and a member of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, describing him as a lens on Saudi football’s intensity.

He explained that Kessié has told teammates about the league’s strength and competitiveness, which is far from easy.

“Our fitness coach watched the last Al-Ahli match to gauge the heat and humidity and to ensure players can sustain the required pressing,” Fay added.

He continued: "We have studied the opponent well and watched their recent games. They have a notable asset in Firas Al-Briqan, with strong pressing abilities."

“Their left-back has excellent bursts and sends precise crosses. Since the match is on their home turf in front of their fans, it will be a tough assignment for us,” Fay said, noting the energy and physicality on display.

Fay also projected more Ivorians into the Saudi league due to the competition’s rising profile.

Renard’s edge: tactical planning and caution

Renard is seeking to gain technical advantages from the friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria, looking to hit top form ahead of the Arab Cup, and cautions against overburdening players after a busy start to the season.

He emphasized: "The Arab Cup is important in our journey. Then we return to domestic competitions and must safeguard players' condition,"

Renard added: "In November we face challenging opponents; it’s crucial to rotate players and prepare for a strong World Cup 2026 cycle."

He explained: "Our squad will be finalized around November 29 for the Arab Cup, with some players joining on the 28 for the King’s Cup and others on the 29 for the second day, with a final 90% confidence in selection."

Renard praised Saud Abdul-Hamid (on loan at Lens, France) and Morad Hosawi (Royal Antwerp, Belgium) as examples of the pipeline feeding the Saudi squad, noting that a move to Europe raises the game’s level.

Renard concluded: "Coaches here don’t know much about Saudi players yet; they sometimes need time to be convinced of their performances. It’s not an easy task, especially for Saud Abdul-Hamid who is playing in a strong league."

He added: "I have followed new players for a while, but I want consistency; some shine briefly and then disappear."

Renard finally stated: "Waleed Al-Ahmad has shown maturity; Murad Hosawi has also looked good so far this season, and I think now is the right moment for him to earn a place in the team."

New faces in the Falcons’ lineup

The Saudi squad will face a heavyweight friendly against Ivory Coast as part of their prep for the next phase.

Saudi press outlet Al-Yom reported that the match will be the first ever between the two nations, either in a friendly or official capacity.

The report adds Renard will use the game to test several players and implement his tactical ideas on the field.

Saudi Arabia have played 261 friendlies, Ivory Coast 262; Saudi have 101 wins, 72 draws and 88 losses, with 348 goals scored and 296 conceded.

PUNCHLINE: If strategy were a weapon, Fay already has a silencer on every tactic.

PUNCHLINE 2: In football, the best spy is the one who knows your own plays before you do—the ball never lies, but it sometimes pretends to.