Ivory Coast Clinches AFCON Trophy with Fairytale Winner from Cancer Survivor
The Ivory Coast has emerged victorious in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, beating Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling final. The hosts of the tournament, which was delayed until 2024, started off strong but were taken aback when William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria scored the first goal of the game. However, the Ivory Coast turned the game around with goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, securing their third African championship in history.
A Fairytale Moment for Sebastien Haller
One of the standout moments of the final was the 81st-minute winner scored by Sebastien Haller. This was a fairytale moment for Haller, who had been diagnosed with cancer less than two years ago but made a remarkable comeback to professional football in January 2023. His winning goal not only secured the trophy for the Ivory Coast but also served as an inspiring testament to his resilience and determination.
A Rollercoaster Tournament for the Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast had a rather eventful journey throughout the tournament. They had to sack their manager, Jean-Louis Gasset, mid-tournament after barely making it through the group stage. In the knockout rounds, they relied on late goals to avoid elimination in both the last 16 and quarter-finals. Despite these challenges, they showed great determination and fought their way to the top.
Intense Moments in the Final
The final match between the Ivory Coast and Nigeria was filled with tension and drama. The Ivory Coast made a strong start, with early chances for Haller and Simon Adingra. Max Gradel, a veteran player for Les Elephants, came close to scoring with an acrobatic overhead kick that hit the side netting. However, just before the half-hour mark, a scuffle broke out on the pitch after Evan Ndicka raised an elbow into the side of Victor Osimhen. Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro was booked for his protests.
Troost-Ekong’s Goal and Controversial Decisions
Despite the Ivory Coast’s dominance, it was Nigeria who took the lead against the run of play in the 38th minute. William Troost-Ekong scored a looping header, leaving the hosts stunned. In the second half, the Ivory Coast had several opportunities to equalize, but Calvin Bassey made a heroic block on the goal line to deny Gradel. The hosts were left frustrated when they were denied a penalty after Gradel went down inside the box, leading to further clashes on the pitch.
Kessie and Haller’s Heroic Moments
Eventually, Franck Kessie came to the Ivory Coast’s rescue, firing his side level just after the hour mark. This goal sparked wild celebrations among the passionate home crowd at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium. Sebastien Haller also came close to scoring with an overhead kick that narrowly missed the near post. However, in the 81st minute, Haller found the back of the net, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The Ivory Coast held on to their lead and secured their first AFCON trophy since 2015.
In Conclusion
The Ivory Coast’s victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is a testament to their determination and resilience. Despite facing challenges throughout the tournament, they overcame adversity to emerge as champions. Sebastien Haller’s fairytale moment as the matchwinner, following his battle with cancer, adds an inspiring touch to their triumph. The Ivory Coast can now celebrate their success and look forward to future competitions with renewed confidence.