Cote d’Ivoire: Sealed a Grand Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria Sunday’s Final

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– Sebastien Haller became the hero, scoring the decisive goal as the Elephants completed a sensational comeback. Ivory Coast was totally confused after William Troost-Ekong’s first half opener for Nigeria in Abidjan.

Apparently, Frank Kessie levelled right after the break before Haller, who recovered from cancer in 2023, sparked ecstatic scenes by firing the late winner.

It capped an incredible turnaround for Cote d’Ivoire after almost crashing out in the group stages. Their campaign appeared over after a disastrous 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.

Truth be told, interim boss Emerse Fae motivated a spirited fightback to reach the final. This resilient collective spirit glittered through again as they recouped from Troost-Ekong’s opener.

Nigeria’s defense looked typically defiant until Kessie rifled in a crucial equalizer. With penalties looming, Haller then struck the decisive blow, firing home with 13 minutes remaining.

His winner comfortably settled a historic comeback amidst emotional scenes in Abidjan. Eight years after their last title, Cote d’Ivoire reign again as kings of Africa.

The victory of the Elephants exemplifies vindication for Fae after stepping in following a sporadic start under Jean-Louis Gasset.

Left at first blush down and out, the Elephants have now refined their roar to win the AFCON on home soil in the most dramatic fashion.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent