Ivory Coast, in a stunning turn of events, triumphed in the AFCON final under the guidance of interim coach Emerse Fae after parting ways with coach Jean-Louis. The Ivorians clinched victory over Nigeria, securing the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 title at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan.
The highly anticipated match saw the Super Eagles initially take the lead, reminiscent of their earlier encounter during the group stage. However, Franck Kessie’s equalizer and Haller’s decisive goal propelled Ivory Coast to victory, igniting jubilant scenes among the fans.
This victory marks Ivory Coast’s third AFCON title, adding to their previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015. The win also places them alongside Nigeria in terms of Cup of Nations successes.
Despite Nigeria’s strong performance throughout the tournament, led by Osimhen, Ivory Coast’s determination and sense of destiny prevailed. Their triumph as the host nation echoes the feat achieved in 2006, making them the first host country to secure the AFCON title since then.
The Ivorian team’s journey to victory was remarkable, considering their initial struggles in the group stage, culminating in a memorable turnaround under Emerse Fae’s leadership. Their path to the final included dramatic wins over Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo, captivating the hearts of their supporters who filled the stadium to capacity.
The final match, often characterized by tense encounters, showcased Ivory Coast’s resilience as they overcame Nigeria’s early lead to emerge victorious. With Haller’s decisive strike, Ivory Coast held on to secure the title, marking a historic moment in their footballing journey.
