Sebastien Haller etched his name in Ivory Coast’s football history with a dramatic late winner, securing a stunning 2-1 victory against Nigeria on Sunday at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, in what has been described as one of the most thrilling Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final clashes.
Nigeria, aiming to replicate their group-stage success against Ivory Coast, took the lead late in the first half as captain William Troost-Ekong headed in a corner, reminiscent of their 1-0 triumph earlier in the tournament. However, Ivory Coast’s determination was evident as Franck Kessie equalised just after the hour mark, setting the stage for Haller’s heroics in the 81st minute.
The scenes of celebration among the orange-clad supporters in the Abidjan stands marked Ivory Coast’s third continental title, adding to their victories in 1992 and 2015. This triumph also elevated them to join Nigeria in the elite club of three-time AFCON winners, standing alongside powerhouses Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana.
Nigeria, spearheaded by the reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, had been formidable throughout the tournament. However, Ivory Coast’s sense of destiny proved too overwhelming, making them the first host country to win the AFCON since 2006.
The victory is an extraordinary achievement for a team that faced elimination in the group stage after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea on January 22. Following this setback, Ivory Coast parted ways with coach Jean-Louis Gasset, bringing in Emerse Fae. The coaching change sparked a remarkable turnaround, including penalty shoot-out success against holders Senegal, a last-gasp victory against Mali in extra time, and a Haller-inspired win over DR Congo in the semifinals.
The Ivorian supporters, undeterred by their team’s earlier struggles, filled the stadium to its 60,000 capacity, creating an electric atmosphere. Cup of Nations finals are typically low-scoring affairs, but Ivory Coast defied the trend with their attacking prowess and resilience.
Despite the earlier setback against Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast displayed remarkable character, regrouping at halftime and throwing everything at Nigeria in the second half. Kessie’s equaliser from a corner set the stage for Haller, who expertly directed Simon Adingra’s cross into the net, sealing the historic victory.
Former captain and Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba, who had experienced heartbreak in the 2006 final, was among the spectators witnessing this triumph. The win not only marks a significant chapter in Ivory Coast’s football history but also signals a remarkable resurgence for a team that faced adversity early in the tournament.
As the jubilant Ivorian players celebrated their triumph, the nation revelled in the glory of being crowned AFCON champions once again, capping off a tournament filled with suspense, drama, and unforgettable moments.
