Ivory Coast got here from a objective all the way down to beat Nigeria within the remaining of AFCON 2023 on Sunday and declare their third Africa Cup of Nations title – however a victory for the Elephants had appeared extremely unlikely only a few weeks in the past.
The host nation began effectively sufficient, beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 of their opening fixture in Abidjan on January thirteenth, however stayed within the match by the pores and skin of their enamel following back-to-back defeats after that in Group A.
Crushed 1-0 by Nigeria of their subsequent fixture, which was deciced by a William Troost-Ekong penalty, Ivory Coast had been then thrashed 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea of their third sport.
Regardless of having many of the possession, the hosts had been torn aside on the break in a disastrous show which left the Elephants on the point of elimination.
However miraculously, Ivory Coast certified for the spherical of 16 because the fourth-best of six third-placed groups, thanks primarily to Mozambique’s extraordinary late comeback towards Ghana.
Mozambique completed backside of Group B, however scored twice in added time to earn a 2-2 draw towards Ghana which eradicated the Black Stars and value coach Chris Hughton his job.
Within the meantime, Ivory Coast had already sacked their coach Jean-Louis Gasset and he was changed by one other Frenchman, Patrice Beaumelle.
Ivory Coast went on to defeat defending champions Senegal on penalties following a 1-1 draw within the spherical of 16, earlier than a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Mali with 10 males after further time within the quarter-finals and a 1-0 victory over DR Congo within the final 4.
Additionally behind within the remaining to a Troost-Ekong strike within the first half, Ivory Coast got here again within the final half an hour with targets from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller to win the title in extraordinary scenes in Abidjan.
It’s the third title for Ivory Coast, following victories in 1992 and 2015 – and a primary in entrance of their residence followers. Towards all odds.
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