Ivory Coast delivered a fairy tale ending to the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an incredible comeback to beat Nigeria 2-1 to emerge winners of the of the competition at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday (11 February).
In addition to their continental triumphs in 1992 and 2015, the hosts added their third AFCON trophy after defeating the Super Eagles with two goals in the second half.
Following their 1-0 loss to the Nigerians in the tournament’s group stages, Côte d’Ivoire experienced a taste of sweet revenge.
After losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea in their last group-stage encounter, the Ivorians faced many challenges on their journey to the championship, including the appointment of a new head coach.
Before making it to the round of 16, Ivory Coast fired head coach Jean-Louis Gasset and appointed former midfielder Emerse Fae in his stead.
After the Elephants defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 in the semi-final, Emerse Fae guided the team into the championship game.
Despite Côte d’Ivoire having the home-field advantage, Nigeria entered the match as the favoured.
During the first fifteen minutes of the match, the hosts took the initiative and repeatedly attacked the Nigerian goal.
Nevertheless, Nigeria gained momentum late in the opening verse, and the Ivorians were unable to capitalise on all of their possession in the first half of the game.
William Troost-Ekong, the captain of Nigeria, broke through against the run of play in the 38th minute.
After outwitting the Ivorian defenders and finding some space in the area, Troost-Ekong headed the ball into the net from a corner to put the super Eagles in front.
The goal silenced the arena as the hosts, trailing the Nigerians 1-0, entered the half.
Franck Kessie’s header in the 62nd minute gave Ivory Coast a fighting chance to tie the game and rekindle their dreams of a historic home victory.
Sebastien Haller’s goal nine minutes from time dealt the Elephants the decisive punch after he hoofed a cross into the back of the net from Simon Adingra.
The Ivorian defence stood strong to deny the Super Eagles a fourth AFCON title, despite threats from Nigeria to enforce the standoff.
Rather, Ivory Coast pulled out a stunning comeback to emerge African champions for the third consecutive year.