Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Administrator
Published on 2024-02-12 18:58:58
The streets of Abidjan, Ivory Coast were filled with jubilant supporters on Monday as they celebrated the country’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. Thousands of fans blew whistles, vuvuzelas, sang, and chanted in excitement as they poured out of commuter buses near the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium to join the team’s victory parade through the city.
The Ivory Coast national football team, also known as the Elephants, defeated Nigeria 2-1 in Sunday’s final to claim their third title in the tournament, following previous wins in 1992 and 2015. The victory sparked unbridled celebrations that lasted into the night and beyond in Abidjan.
The unexpected success of the team, which included a near elimination and the firing of their coach after the group stage, led many supporters to attribute the win to divine intervention. Interim coach Emerse Faé made history by becoming the first coach to win the tournament without being in charge at the start.
Supporter Sanogo Karamoko expressed his amazement at the team’s triumph, especially considering the long wait since a host country last won the biennial tournament, with Egypt being the last in 2006.
Amidst loud music and cheering, fans awaited the team’s arrival at the stadium while others rested after a night of celebrations. The supporters also made their way to the team’s hotel in the district of Cocody, where the victory procession began its slow crawl through the enthusiastic crowd.
In a display of gratitude, some fans waved Moroccan flags to thank the Atlas Lions for keeping Ivory Coast in the competition. Morocco’s victory over Zambia enabled Ivory Coast to advance to the knockout stage as one of the best four third-place finishers in the six groups.
Aminata Sahoné, a supporter, wore a Moroccan cap and carried a Moroccan bag, expressing the importance of Morocco’s win in giving Ivory Coast a chance and instilling a belief in fighting for success.
The Ivory Coast’s progression to the final was not without setbacks, including the firing of its coach and dramatic come-from-behind victories over defending champion Senegal and Mali in the knockout stage. Borussia Dortmund forward Sébastien Haller, who scored the winner in the semifinals against Congo and the final against Nigeria, was particularly emotional after the game as he had recently returned from cancer treatment.
Midfielder Seko Fofana expressed the team’s hope that everyone could enjoy the moment as their hard-fought victory was a rare and special achievement.
The Africa Cup of Nations victory was a momentous occasion for the Ivory Coast, uniting the nation in celebration and bringing joy to the hearts of its supporters. The team’s unlikely success and triumph over adversity will be remembered as a testament to the resilience and determination of the players and the unwavering support of the fans.
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