Hosts Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire won the AFCON 2023 on Sunday night after coming from a goal down to beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in the final.
The Eagles have lost five of their eight appearances in the AFCON final, winning three.
It was a commendable comeback story for the Ivorians who only managed to qualify as one of the best third placed teams, winning just ome game in the group stage.
The Eagles were second best all night,as the Ivorians dominated the game with about 67% and had seven shots on target, six shots off target
Despite being on the back foot for most part of the first half it was the Eagles who took the lead on 38 minutes through a header from captain William Troost-Ekong.
Franck Kessie’s equaliser in the 62nd minutes made him the first Ivorian to score in the final of the AFCON.
In the 81st minute Côte d’Ivoire went 2-1 up as Sebastien Haller slotted home a fine cross from Adingra.
Côte d’Ivoire has now claimed their third AFCON title, tying with Nigeria.
Captain Troost Ekong was named Man of the Tournament.