Relief for Ivory Coast after winning AFCON

February 12, 2024 1

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Just like a fairy tale story, Ivory Coast went from being almost eliminated from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to winning it eventually.

It has sparked a lot of emotion that has triggered relief and joy for the host nation.

Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Nigeria in Sunday’s final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Sebastien Haller was the hero for the Elephants. The striker, who is playing at the tournament just 13 months on from his return from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback.

“𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱” ☝️

Sebastien Haller scored a banger to grant us the #GoalOfTheDay! 🎶@1xBet_Eng | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023Final pic.twitter.com/Nwrd92DVHg

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 12, 2024

Winning coach Emerse Fae who started the tournament as assistant to Jean-Louis Gasset but took over when the French coach was fired told reporters the end result has brought relief.

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Fae, 40 took time to hail Gasset’s input, even though he was sacked. “He should also be associated with this win,” Fae said.

“When I think about all we went through, the hard times when we [were] almost out, and the matches where we came back in last minutes, we have created some miracles. But it is also because we kept fighting to the last minute when the odds were against us,” he said.

“We feel relief firstly after all the difficulties. We were close to humiliation but when we had a second chance, we were determined not to waste it,” Fae added.

The Ivorians are now the first hosts to win the Cup of Nations in the last eight editions since Egypt’s home success in 2006.

52 Games, countless battles, so many goals, saves, skills & iconic moments, all leading up to 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀. 🏆🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/U5UBCvKlLM

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 12, 2024

Ivory Coast though has become the 12 host nation to win the Nations Cup title. Sunday’s win adds to Ivory Coast’s previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015.

This is also Nigeria’s second defeat in Abidjan after losing to Cameroon in 1984.