Football News: Ivory Coast Crowned Africa Cup of Nations Champions After Thrilling Victory Over Nigeria
In a captivating final of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast emerged victorious after a 2-1 win over Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Sunday.
The Decisive Match
The match saw Nigeria take an early lead through a header from William Troost-Ekong in the first half, but Ivory Coast fought back to equalize in the 62nd minute through a goal from Franck Kessié. The home side then secured the decisive victory in the 81st minute, with Sébastien Haller scoring the winning goal with an instinctive finish after excellent work from Simon Adingra on the wing.
“It’s the power of the group and the mindset that put us through. We had some challenging moments but we rescued ourselves, although it wasn’t easy. The mental fortitude saw us restore our chances and do what we achieved today,” said Ivorian man of the match Adingra.
Remarkable Victory
Haller, who had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2022 and made a remarkable recovery, proved to be the hero for the Ivorians, with his goal being his second of the tournament.
The result marks Ivory Coast’s third AFCON triumph, bringing them level with Nigeria as the joint-fourth most successful team in tournament history, and their first since 2015. Only Ghana (4), Cameroon (5) and Egypt (7) have more AFCON titles.
The victory is all the more remarkable given that Ivory Coast’s victorious coach, Emerse Faé, only took over as coach after the group stage, with veteran Frenchman Jean-Louis Gasset leading the team at the start of the competition.
Reactions and Significance
The final was attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, as well as Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, further adding to the significance of the occasion.
“Our team had a fantastic tournament but today Ivory Coast was better,” said Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro. “Our team didn’t show our level. That’s the truth. It was not the same job as we did in the previous rounds.”
The thrilling victory in the Africa Cup of Nations will undoubtedly be celebrated long into the night in Abidjan and across Ivory Coast, as the nation’s footballing fans bask in the glory of their team’s triumphant performance.
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