Champion in 1992 and 2015, the Ivorians win the edition in which they host, in 2024, by beating Nigeria 2-1. A title that is far from unlikely
Photo: Franck Fife / AFP via Getty Images – Caption: Ivorian striker Haller (in orange) competes with Noiogerian defender Ajaiyi / Jogada10
The host Ivory Coast is the great champion of the 2024 African Cup. The team that advanced only knew how, as they fired their coach in the middle of the competition and with unlikely results, they reached the final. And they beat Nigeria, 2-1, this Sunday (11/2) at the Abidjan Olympic Stadium, packed. Nigeria scored with Ekong in the first half. But in the final stage, Kessie and Haller scored the title goals.
With the achievement, Ivory Coast celebrates the tri. After all, it also won in 1992 and 2015. Nigeria was looking for four times, as it won in 1980, 1994 and 2013,
Ivory Coast sees Nigeria take the lead
Very offensive, Ivory Coast started by hiring the attacking midfielder. In the first 30 minutes, he created four goal chances, two with Gradel (one from a bicycle) and two with Adingra, one of which was unmissable, free in the area in front of goalkeeper Nwabali, who made a great save. Nigeria tried direct calls to Osinhem, who was very marked. But, at 38, in the first dangerous attack, Nigeria made it 1-0. A corner from the left had the ball deflected at the first post and was set up for defender Ekong’s accurate header.
Three-time champion turnaround
Three minutes into the second half Adingra made a great move, the goalkeeper rebounded and Gradel had the rest. But he shot over defender Bassey. He wasted a draw for the hosts. Shortly afterwards, it was Kessie who lost to a fish in the hands of the Nigerian goalkeeper. But, at 16, after a corner from the left, Kessié (ex-Milan and Barcelona and now at Al Ahli/ARA) headed the ball into the net.
The fans woke up once and for all. Haller almost scored with a bicycle kick. However, at 36, he did not forgive. Adingra, the best on the field. he advanced to the left, went deep and crossed. Haller (Borussia Dortmund star) got ahead of the marker, stretching his leg and scoring the winning goal. And that was the title.
Miracles exist
Being in the final was a dream that seemed impossible for the Ivorians at the end of the last round of the group stage. After all, they beat Equatorial Guinea 4-0, finishing third in Group A. But they advanced as the fourth best third-place team.
But then coach Jean-Luis Gasset was fired and interim Emerse Faé came in. In the knockout stages, the team advanced. Eliminated Senegal (current champion) on penalties. And the Mali team won incredibly. After all, Ivory Coast lost 1-0, with one player less, and also saw their rival miss a penalty. But he equalized in stoppage time on the last play. Then, in extra time, they secured themselves in the final, winning 2-1. Finally, in the semi-final, they played their best game and beat Congo with a goal from Haller. And in this final, Nigeria beats 2-1, with Haller (who missed almost the entire season at Borussia Dortmund due to cancer) scoring the winning goal.
Nigeria 1×2 Ivory Coast
African Cup of Nations Final
Data: 11/2/2024
Local: Olympic Stadium, Abidjan (CMF)
Nigeria: Nwabah; Ekong, Ajayi e Bassey; Aina, Onyeka (Moffi, 41’/2ºT), Iwobi (Yusuf, 34’/2ºT), Sanusi (Aribo, 41’/2ºT); Chukwezw (Simon, 10’/2ºT) e Lookman (Ilheanacho, 34’/2ºT); Osimhen. Technician: José Peseiro.
Costa do Marfim: Yahia Flying; Aurier (Singo, 24’/2oT), Odilon, Evan Ndicka and Conan; Seri, Kessié and Seko Flying; Simon Adingra, Sebastian Haller and Max Gradel (Diakite, 24’/2oT). Technician: Faé emerged.
Goals: Ekong, 37’/1ºT (1-0); Kessie, 16’/2ºT (1-1); Haller, 36’/2ºT (1-2)
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Assistants: Emiliano dos Santos (Angola) and Diana Chicotesha (Zambia)
Yellow cards: José Peseiro, Nwabali (NIG); Aurier, Seko Fofana (CMF)
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