Jubilant scenes erupted in Abidjan as Ivory Coast clinched their third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Nigeria on Sunday. Hosts clawed back from a first-half deficit thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, silencing Victor Osimhen’s Super Eagles and etching their names in history.
Nigeria seemed destined to repeat their group-stage win after captain William Troost-Ekong headed home just before halftime. However, the Elephants refused to buckle, roaring back in the second half. Kessie equalized with a powerful header midway through, setting the stage for Haller’s dramatic late winner in the 81st minute.
This remarkable triumph adds to Ivory Coast’s previous victories in 1992 and 2015, tying them with Nigeria for the third most AFCON titles. It also marks a historic first for the tournament, with Ivory Coast becoming the first host nation to lift the trophy since 2006.
This victory wasn’t just about the final; it capped an incredible rollercoaster journey for the Elephants. On the brink of elimination after a heavy defeat in the group stage, they defied the odds with a stunning turnaround. Head coach Emerse Fae, taking over after Jean-Louis Gasset’s departure, orchestrated a series of knockout victories, including penalty shoot-out dramas against Senegal and Mali, before reaching the final.
The passionate Ivorian fans played their part too, packing the stadium and creating an electric atmosphere. In a typically tense AFCON final, with low-scoring affairs being a norm, this match defied expectations with three well-taken goals.
Ivory Coast’s victory marks a new chapter in AFCON history, proving that even when faced with adversity, resilience and determination can lead to ultimate glory. With this triumph, the Elephants have carved their names in the tournament’s legend and left an indelible mark on African football.
