Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa News
Published on 2024-02-12 11:35:38
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has been hailed as the best ever, delivering more goals, late drama, and surprising underdog victories. Host nation Ivory Coast emerged victorious in the final, defeating Nigeria 2-1, and setting off widespread celebrations throughout the country.
Despite initial struggles and a near-elimination in the group stage, the Ivory Coast team’s remarkable path to victory captured the hearts of the nation. The Elephants’ triumph affirmed the belief among locals that the team was divinely assisted, leading to unbridled celebrations.
The tournament was not only a showcase of football talent but also a colorful spectacle, with supporters from different countries creating a vibrant atmosphere through dancing, drumbeats, and passionate vocal support. However, the peaceful and celebratory atmosphere among the fans was not reflected in the behavior of accredited media, with several instances of unprofessional conduct and fights among journalists.
Ivory Coast’s journey to the final was unexpected, especially after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea left the team on the brink of elimination. However, favorable results in other groups allowed Ivory Coast to advance, leading to a surprising and captivating run that captivated fans.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s progress was marked by a strong defensive performance, with the team not conceding a single goal in four consecutive games. Nigeria star Victor Osimhen’s inspirational performances led the team to the final, despite only scoring one goal during the tournament.
The Africa Cup of Nations also saw unexpected outcomes, with seven-time champion Egypt failing to win a game and being knocked out early in the competition. Defending champion Senegal also suffered an early exit, as did former winners Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia. The tournament’s quarterfinal stage featured a fresh lineup compared to previous editions, with none of the previous quarterfinalists making it through to the last eight.
Congo and South Africa were among the surprise contenders, with Congo advancing to the semifinals despite only winning one game in regular time. South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made headlines with four penalty saves in a crucial shootout win over Cape Verde.
The tournament was also challenging for the coaches, with several facing dismissals or resignations. The future of coaches in charge of teams like Cameroon and Algeria remained uncertain, adding an additional layer of drama to the competition.
In conclusion, the 34th Africa Cup of Nations was a tournament filled with thrilling matches, unexpected outcomes, and standout performances. Both on and off the pitch, the competition showcased the passion, pride, and unpredictability that makes African football so captivating.
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