Ivory Coast has defied all odds to emerge as Champions of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The host nation for the 34th edition of the tournament played against giants Nigeria on Sunday night in the tournament's final.
In a game played at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, the Super Eagles of Nigeria scored through a powerful header by William Troost-Ekong in the 38th minute to give his country the lead.
Despite the dominance of Ivory Coast, the Elephants could not score and had to go into the break trailing.
With the home fans packed at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara backing the team, the Elephants continued their miraculous campaign at the tournament.
Thanks to goals from Frank Kessie and Sebastien Haller in the 62nd and 81st minutes respectively, Ivory Coast managed to come from behind to secure a 2-1 win at the end of the 90 minutes.
🏆 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺 🏆
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire are crowned African Champions for the third time in their history! 🥇#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Y2xx7l1JAb
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024
This win would be celebrated for days in Ivory Coast, especially after the group-stage struggles of the national team.
It has been a fight well-fought for what will be a memorable host-and-win tournament for the Ivorians.