Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-11 23:40:36
Sebastien Haller delivered the winning goal with nine minutes remaining, propelling the host nation, Ivory Coast, to secure a third Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday. The triumph was no small feat, achieved against all odds, as the Ivorian team had initially struggled in the group stage, suffering two defeats, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. However, they rallied in the knockout rounds, showcasing a never-say-die attitude that ultimately led them to claim the championship.
Ivory Coast’s Max Gradel proudly lifted the trophy, celebrating with his teammates after their momentous victory over Nigeria in the final, held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on February 11, 2024. William Troost-Ekong had provided initial hope for Nigeria, scoring with a header in the first half off Samuel Chukwueze’s assist from a corner. Nevertheless, the Ivorians fought back, with Franck Kessie scoring the equalizer just after the hour-mark, left unmarked at the back post from a set-piece. The resilience and determination of the Ivorian team shone through once more as Haller secured the winning goal, redirecting Simon Adingra’s cross into the net, earning a hard-fought victory.
Haller’s remarkable path to the championship also mirrored the overall perseverance of the Ivorian team. As a Borussia Dortmund forward, he had faced the adversity of a testicular cancer diagnosis in July 2022, conquering the disease to become a crucial player for his national team. Despite missing the start of the tournament with an ankle injury, he made a significant impact, playing a pivotal role in the team’s ultimate success. Haller’s story epitomized the perseverance and fighting spirit of the Ivorian side, becoming the first home nation to lift the Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006.
This victory held particular significance for the Ivorian team, as all four of their previous continental finals had ended in goalless draws, with two resulting in penalty wins in 1992 and 2015 against Ghana, and losses in the other two. The home team had largely controlled the final match, with Adingra denied by a remarkable save from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, before Troost-Ekong’s breakthrough goal gave Nigeria the lead.
However, the momentum shifted as the Ivorians pushed for the equalizer and ultimately, the winning goal. Kessie’s unmarked header and Haller’s subsequent match-winning goal sealed a historic victory for the home side. President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to the victorious team, marking a joyous and monumental moment for the Ivory Coast.
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