The host nation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Ivory Coast have fired manager Jean-Louis Gasset despite round of 16 qualification possibility.

Ivory Coast are on the verge of elimination following two successive group-stage losses to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, the latter by 4-0.

However, the Elephants can still advance to the knockout stages by being one of the best third-placed teams. For that to happen, they will have to wait for the group stages to determine whether they can qualify as one of the top third-placed teams.

In a press statement released on Wednesday, the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) announced on social media that Gasset and his assistant Ghislain Printant's contracts have been terminated "due to insufficient results."

"The Federation Ivoirienne de Football expresses its regrets for the performance of the Elephants during the group phase of the CAN (AFCON) 2023," the FIF statement said.

"However, it remains convinced of the potential of our football team and calls for the unity of all for the upcoming events."

Gasset took over the team in 2022, replacing Patrice Beaumelle. The Frenchman previously served as an assistant coach for both the France men's national team and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ivory Coast won their first AFCON game on January 13, beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 thanks to goals from Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso.

However, after a 1-0 setback to Nigeria on January 18 and a devastating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea on January 21, their continuity in the competition is no longer in their hands.

Should they qualify, they will face Group B winners Cape Verde or the Group C winner in the round of 16.