Selecting committed, disciplined players key to winning AFCON - Herve Renard

Two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament-winning coach, Herve Renard has revealed that selecting disciplined players is the key to conquering the continent instead of presenting best players.

Speaking to TV3 on his success, the French tactician has shared that it is better to leave out top players who will harm the team spirit in the camp when going to the AFCON tournament.

“When you make the mistake of selecting a player because he is good and not disciplined, you will fail.

"So it is better to leave that player out and go for the one who contributes to good team spirit”, Herve Renard said.

According to him, players that play at the prestigious tournament should be players that will be ready to play for the flag of their country.

“You have to play for the flag of the country. In Africa, life stops for football. So there is passion for that. So as a player or a coach you need to think about them.

"You need to play for them to make them proud as a country. It is difficult to get your hands off the AFCON trophy because everybody wants it. But, if the people get behind the team, which is an important thing to do, then it is possible”, Renard added.

The gaffer led Zambian to AFCON triumph in 2012 and coached Ivory Coast to win the title in 2015.