Francois Zahoui is to take over as coach of the Ivory Coast on a permanent basis, the national football federation (FIF) announced yesterday.

The 48-year-old Ivorian, who was in temporary charge of the team for their recent friendly win over Italy in London, succeeds Sven-Goran Eriksson who held a short-term appointment for the World Cup in South Africa.

The FIF had had serious talks with French coach Gerard Gil who even made the trip to Abidjan. Gil, however, withdrew his interest saying that the Ivorian players were opposed to his appointment.

As a player Zahoui made his name with French club Nancy and also played for the national team.

He has coached the national under-20 side and has had periods at Africa Sports in Abidjan and French side Toulon.

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