African Cup final coaches reflect team contrasts

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Francois Zahoui at one point doubted if he was good enough to be coach of the star-studded Ivory Coast team.

The reserved Zahoui prefers to watch his team with arms crossed near the dugout, showing little emotion.

His opponent in Sunday's African Cup of Nations final, Zambia tactician Herve Renard, is accused of being bigheaded and his flamboyant and frenzied touchline antics have been a feature of the Zambians' unexpected run to the final.

The differing coaching styles in many ways reflect the contrasts of the teams.

The businesslike Zahoui is in charge of a clinical Ivorian outfit which has won all five of its games without conceding a goal, while Renard and Zambia have used emotion and spontaneity to get to the African Cup decider.