Ivory Coast clinched victory in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Nigeria, securing a historic win on home soil.
The match witnessed a dramatic turnaround as Nigeria initially took the lead through captain William Troost-Ekong’s header in the 38th minute.
However, Ivory Coast fought back fiercely, with Franck Kessie leveling the score with a powerful header from a corner kick in the 62nd minute.
The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Haller flicked home a cross, sealing the tournament win for the hosts.
The defeat marked a rare loss for Nigeria, who had been undefeated in their last 22 AFCON games when scoring first.
Despite their early lead, Nigeria couldn’t maintain their dominance as Ivory Coast mounted a remarkable comeback.
The victory elevated Ivory Coast to elite status in African football, as they became the fifth nation to win the tournament for a third time, joining the ranks of Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria.
For Nigeria, the loss brought a wave of emotions, with players visibly dejected on the sidelines.
The scenes at the stadium were electrifying, with wild celebrations erupting among the Ivory Coast players and fans.
Photographers scrambled to capture the euphoria, while Nigeria’s bench reflected the agony of defeat.
The triumph was hailed as a momentous occasion for African football, showcasing the continent’s talent and passion for the game.
As the final whistle blew, Ivory Coast completed their miraculous journey to victory, capping off a tournament filled with drama and excitement.
With Nigeria’s AFCON hopes dashed, attention now turns to the future of African football, with fans and players alike reflecting on the spectacle and eagerly anticipating the next edition of the tournament… Continue Reading
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