The recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory by Ivory Coast has showcased the unpredictable and chaotic nature of football, challenging the notion of a foolproof blueprint for tournament success. The journey from a devastating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea to clinching the AFCON title has left the football world in awe of the unexpected twists and turns.

Following the group stage embarrassment and the subsequent dismissal of the 70-year-old French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, Ivory Coast appointed Emerse Faé, a former Reading midfielder, as the head coach on his 40th birthday. Faé, with no prior head coaching experience, steered the team through improbable comebacks, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final.

The narrative of Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph challenges the traditional approach to tournament preparation, prompting reflections on the role of chaos, chance, and unpredictability in football. The article questions the necessity of meticulous preparation, contrasting it with the Ivorian team’s journey of embracing chaos and overcoming challenges.

The piece draws parallels with England’s preparations for major tournaments, emphasizing the success of their Elite Player Performance Plan and the England DNA blueprint introduced in 2011. While acknowledging the importance of preparation in developing talented players, the article argues that the unpredictable nature of football ensures that luck, confidence, form, and momentum play significant roles in tournament success.

The Ivorian example raises intriguing questions about the balance between meticulous preparation and the spontaneous elements that make football exhilarating. Ultimately, the article suggests that, despite extensive preparations, football remains a sport where unexpected and illogical events can shape the outcome, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to the beautiful game.