AFCON: Ivory Coast sack head coach Jean-Louis Gasset despite host nation's hopes of last-16 place in balance

Ivory Coast have sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset despite still having a chance of reaching the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The hosts are waiting on other results to see if they will reach the knockout stages following their 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.

They have three points from three group games and are hoping to advance as one of the best four third-placed teams.

If they do reach the last 16, the host nation will play their next game with former midfielder Emerse Fae in charge.

Gasset reportedly tendered his resignation following the loss to Equatorial Guinea.

The country's football federation (FIF) confirmed on Wednesday that they have parted ways with Gasset.

"The contracts of coach Jean-Louis Gasset and his assistant Ghislain Printant are terminated due to insufficient results," the FIF said in a statement.

Only once in nine previous attempts have Ivory Coast failed to get out of the group stage at AFCON.

The final round of group games take place on Wednesday, January 24.

South Africa take on Tunisia and Namibia face Mali in in Group E, while Group F concludes with Tanzania against DR Congo and Zambia v Morocco.

Gasset is the second head coach to be sacked this week at AFCON.

Chris Hughton was dismissed as Ghana boss following their group-stage exit from the tournament.

Only once in nine previous attempts have Ivory Coast failed to get out of the group stage at AFCON.

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