The delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended yesterday with host Cote d’Ivoire completing their remarkable turnaround in fortunes to become the first host nation to win the title in 18 years after a 2-1 victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The Ivorians came from a goal down to defeat Nigeria 2-1 and secured their third continental triumph at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan yesterday, becoming the first host nation to win an AFCON title since 2006 when Egypt defeated the Ivorians on penalties in Cairo to take the trophy – thanks to second half goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, after the Super Eagles enjoyed a 1-0 lead courtesy of Captain William Troost-Ekong header.
The highly tense final at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, outskirts of Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s economic capital, the same venue where Nigeria defeated the tournament hosts 1-0 during the group stage, began with the host dominating possession but even as Nigerians struggled to control the ball, seized the opportunity following a partially cleared corner with William Troost-Ekong rises to send a commanding header into the net to give Nigeria a first half lead.
After the break, as Nigeria were hoping to keep their lead, Frank Kessie restored parity as the crowd roared from the Italy-based player’s header from the corner before Sebastian Haller put the home side in the lead after connecting Simon Agingra’s cross.
They nearly became just the second host country in 30 years to go out in the group stage after a disastrous 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on January 22, their heaviest ever home defeat.
The shellshocked Ivorians parted company with coach Jean-Louis Gasset, all hope of reaching the last 16 apparently gone, before being rescued as a series of favourable results elsewhere allowed them to go through among the best third-placed sides.
Under the interim Coach Emerse Fae, their revival has been quite incredible,eliminating defending champions Senegal on penalties in capital Yamoussoukro in the last 16 before coming from behind — despite being reduced to 10 men — to beat Mali 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
They then returned to Ebimpe to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semis thanks to a solitary Sebastien Haller strike to set the final clash against the Eagles.
The Ivorians have now matched Nigeria on three titles after emerging victorious for the first time since 2015.
The next edition of AFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco in the summer of 2025. Guinea was set to be the original host of the tournament but the Confederation of African Football deemed the country was not ready to put on the competition.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has applauded the Super Eagles for their performance, saying in spite of the result at the final, he is still proud of the team.
Atiku on his X handle said “Not the result we all expected. Nonetheless, we remain #SuperEagles. Still proud of you guys. Well done, @NGSuperEagles. -AA”
