Sebastien Haller once again emerged as the protagonist for Ivory Coast, orchestrating a come-from-behind victory against Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final held on home turf.
The striker, who had previously secured the semi-final win just 13 months after his return from testicular cancer, executed a decisive flick from Simon Adingra’s cross with nine minutes left, igniting jubilant scenes in Abidjan.
Nigeria had initially taken the lead through William Troost-Ekong’s powerful header from a corner, but Franck Kessie equalized in the 62nd minute, setting the stage for Haller’s heroics.
Despite the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset following two group stage defeats, Ivory Coast demonstrated resilience to clinch their third continental title.
The West African nation’s triumph marks the first time since 2006 that tournament hosts have emerged victorious. Interim coach Emerse Fae orchestrated Ivory Coast’s journey through the knockout stages, highlighted by dramatic wins over Senegal and Mali.
The nation’s substantial investment in hosting the tournament, exceeding $1 billion, culminated in a deserved victory celebrated by Ivorian President Alassane Outtara. The Elephants claim $7 million in prize money, while Nigeria receives $4 million from the Confederation of African Football.
Despite Nigeria’s undefeated record in the finals, the Super Eagles struggled to assert dominance, yielding to Ivory Coast’s relentless pressure and Haller’s decisive finish.
The game was characterized by moments of intensity, particularly after the half-hour mark when both teams sought opportunities to break the deadlock. Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made critical saves to deny Ivory Coast’s advances, while the Ivorian side persisted in their offensive strategies.
In the end, it was Ivory Coast’s perseverance and Haller’s clinical finish that sealed their victory, leaving a lasting mark on the history of African football. The triumph serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ivorian team, who overcame challenges to claim the prestigious AFCON title.
The tournament, initially scheduled for June and July last year but postponed due to weather concerns in West Africa, will be remembered for its record number of goals, surprising upsets, and continuous drama.
The hosts played a significant role in the tournament’s narrative, facing the possibility of an early elimination after a shocking 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A match. Following coach Gasset’s departure, Fae took charge and rejuvenated the team, inheriting a squad that earned a second chance as one of the top four third-placed teams.
Their advancement was secured when Morocco defeated Zambia in the final group match, preventing the southern Africans from taking their place. Despite the initial setback of a record home defeat, Ivory Coast’s supporters rallied behind their team, which displayed remarkable mental strength to eliminate Senegal and Mali in thrilling encounters, followed by a more straightforward victory against DR Congo in the semi-finals.
Fae, a member of the Ivory Coast team that finished as runners-up to Egypt in 2006, has now claimed Africa’s top prize in just his fourth match as a senior manager. The resilience of his team was evident as they held firm after conceding against the run of play in front of a passionate home crowd in the final.
Ivory Coast joins the ranks of host nations to have won the Nations Cup title, while Nigeria will reflect on their fifth defeat in a final, including their second loss in Abidjan after falling to Cameroon in 1984.
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