AFCON 2023: Côte d’Ivoire crowned African champions for third time

Cote d’Ivoire secured their third Africa Cup of Nations victory by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the 2024 tournament at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe.

The match showcased a showdown between the 2015 AFCON champions and the 2013 victors.

Throughout the match, Ivory Coast demonstrated dominance, with numerous missed opportunities, while Nigeria struggled to find their footing.

However, Nigeria managed to break the deadlock in the 36th minute with a goal by William Troost-Ekong, which gave them a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The momentum shifted in the second half when Franck Kessié equalized for Ivory Coast in the 62nd minute.

The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Sébastien Haller scored, propelling Cote d’Ivoire to a 2-1 lead.

Tensions rose during the match, leading to Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, receiving a yellow card for disputing a decision by the referee regarding an incident involving Osimhen and Evan Ndicka.

Cote d’Ivoire’s victory marks their third AFCON title, having previously won in 1992 and 2015, equalling Nigeria which has also secured the cup three times, in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

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