Abidjan, Ivory Coast: In a heart-stopping finale that electrified the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, the Ivory Coast defied early doubts and roared back from a goal down to snatch a historic 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Nigeria, claiming their third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown.
The Elephants started brightly, but the Super Eagles drew first blood. William Troost-Ekong’s towering header just before halftime silenced the boisterous home crowd and sent a wave of optimism through the Nigerian ranks.
However, the break galvanized the Ivorians. Franck Kessie, the unflinching midfield maestro, thundered home an equalizer in the 62nd minute, reigniting the belief in a comeback. The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers, urging their heroes on.
And Sébastien Haller, the cancer survivor turned hero, answered their calls. With nine minutes remaining, the striker acrobatically volleyed home a sensational winner, sending the nation into delirium. The scenes of unbridled joy were a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the Elephants, who had overcome a challenging tournament journey.
This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the Ivorians, who started the competition with two group-stage defeats and even witnessed a mid-tournament managerial change. But coach Patrice Beaumelle instilled a newfound belief in his squad, guiding them to four consecutive knockout round victories, culminating in this glorious triumph.
The iconic trophy adds another chapter to Ivory Coast’s rich footballing history, placing them alongside Egypt and Cameroon as the only nations to win the AFCON title on three occasions. Their journey to glory inspires aspiring players across the continent, proving that unwavering determination and collective spirit can overcome any obstacle.
