Côte d’Ivoire triumphs over Nigeria in spectacular AFCON 2023 showdown
Côte d’Ivoire won the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title by coming from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in Sunday’s thrilling final.
A crowded Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan provided the ideal environment for the Elephants to win their third African title in front of their devoted fans, who rallied them to victory.
William Ekong’s first-half goal appeared to set up the Super Eagles for a fourth title when Franck Kessie leveled and dangerman Sebastian Haller scored late to secure Cote d’Ivoire’s most cherished crown.
Haller was the hero, scoring the winning goal as the Elephants completed an incredible comeback.
With victory in sight, the Elephants held on for a stunning triumph that propelled them to the top tier of continental football as African champions.
It culminated an extraordinary comeback for Cote d’Ivoire, which had nearly failed to advance from the group stages.
Despite the defeat, Nigerian captain, William Troost-Ekong walked away with the TotalEnergies Best Player of the tournament award.
Guinea-Bissau dangerman, Emilio Nsue Lopez won the PUMA highest goal scorer award while South Africa goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams was voted the Ecobank Best Goalkeeper following his brilliant displays for the Bafana Bafana.
