Ivory Coast beats Nigeria to become champions of 2023 AFCON

Nine minutes from time, Haller, who had earlier in the season scored the game-winning goal in the semifinals, skillfully deftly deflected Simon Adingra’s cross into the net with his toe. Haller had returned from testicular cancer not long after. This brought Abidjan’s incredible second-half comeback to a close and sparked wild celebrations.

William Troost-Ekong had given Nigeria the lead in the last seven minutes of a cautious first half, prior to Haller’s heroics. After a corner, the center-back sprang to his highest point and shot with force from nine yards.

Franck Kessie of Ivory Coast, however, equalized in the 62nd minute by nodding in Adingra’s corner while going unmarked at the back post.

After two losses in the group stage, coach Jean-Louis Gasset resigned, causing a turbulent path to the final. However, Ivory Coast earned their third continental title with a well-earned victory.

They had previously won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992 and 2015, and they currently stand alongside Egypt as the only hosts to do so since 2006.

Ivory Coast was led by interim coach Emerse Fae through the knockout stages, when they won exciting matches against Senegal and Mali because of late equalizers in both contests.

Three-time winners Nigeria had gone unbeaten in the finals, winning their group stage match 1-0 against Ivory Coast. Nevertheless, the Super Eagles found it difficult to make an impression after playing the most of the game on the defense.

Soccer Football – Africa Cup of Nations – Final – Nigeria v Ivory Coast – Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan, Ivory Coast – February 11, 2024 Ivory Coast’s Oumar Diakite and teammates celebrate after the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko