Ivory Coast clinch AFCON trophy after victory over Nigeria
By Sports Reporter
Striker Sebastien Haller netted nine minutes from time to give hosts Ivory Coast a 2-1 lead over Nigeria and eventual victory for the West Africans in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final played Sunday.
The France born star who plies his trade at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund found the back of the net with the toe of his boot to help the Elephants complete a remarkable second-half comeback.
The cancer survivor flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with the toe of his boot to spark wild celebrations in Abidjan.
William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the end of a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to powerfully head in from nine yards out following a corner.
Franck Kessie nodded in the equaliser in the 62nd minute when he was left unmarked at the back post from Adingra’s corner.
After a remarkable run to the final, which included the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians clinched a third continental title with a deserved victory.
The West Africans add to their previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and become the first tournament hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.
Interim coach Emerse Fae masterminded Ivory Coast’s passage through the knockout stages, which included dramatic victories over defending champions Senegal and Mali after late equalisers in both games.
Nigeria, three-time continental champions themselves, had previously been unbeaten at the finals, including a 1-0 win over the Ivorians in the group stage, but the Super Eagles rarely imposed themselves after sitting back for most of the contest.
