Africa Cup of Nations 2023: Nigeria 1-2 Ivory Coast – Haller wins final for Elephants

Sebastien Haller was Ivory Coast's hero once again as the Elephants came from behind to defeat Nigeria and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil.

William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the break in a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to head home powerfully from nine yards out from a corner kick.

Franck Kessie scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute when he was left unmarked at the back post from an Adingra corner kick.

After a wonderful march to the final, which included The departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset After two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians clinched their third continental title with a deserved victory.

The West African team added to their previous Africa Cup of Nations victories in 1992 and 2015 and became the first host of the tournament to win since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.

It was interim coach Emers Faye who guided Ivory Coast through the knockout stages, which included dramatic victories over holders Senegal and Mali after late draws in both matches.

Cote d'Ivoire More than $1 billion (£0.79 billion) was spent hosting the tournament, A similar amount was invested in improving the country's infrastructure, and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara joined the post-match celebrations at the stadium that bears his name.

The Elephants won $7 million (£5.54 million) in prize money, while Nigeria received $4 million from the Confederation of African Football.

Nigeria, three-time champions of the continent, has never lost in a final including one Winning over the Ivorians 1-0 In the group stage, however, the Super Eagles rarely imposed themselves after sitting at the back for most of the match.

Adingra inspires the transformation of elephants

Ivory Coast dominated most of the first half in front of enthusiastic fans at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, but failed to create chances while Nigeria sat deep and absorbed the pressure.

The game came alive after the drinks break on the half-hour mark, with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabale blocking Adingra's shot from a tight angle before Nigerian left-back Zaidou Sanusi was awarded a corner kick when his shot was blocked by Odilon Kosono.

Ademola Lookman's corner was sent into the air by Ivory Coast midfielder Jean-Michael Seri at the near post, and Troost-Ekong leapt over Serge Aurier to drive the ball back across goal and past the desperate diving of Elephants keeper Yahaya Fofana.

The Ivorians came back with renewed purpose after the break, with the lively Adingra having their best moment on the left flank.

A dangerous low cross from the Brighton winger was cleared by Nouabali and Calvin Bassey made a crucial save to prevent the equaliser, after Max Gradel pounced on the loose ball.

Nwabale then had to dive to his right to fire a long-range shot from Kosono wide, and the Elephants equalized from a corner kick after the Nigeria defense somehow failed to pick out Kessie.

The Super Eagles had the chance to restore the lead when Troost-Ekong headed Ademola Lookman's free-kick wide, but the decisive moment came from an inspired touch by Haller when the Borussia Dortmund player stuck out his right leg to head in Adingra's cross. Nawabali.

The end of Faye's fairy tale

The tournament, which was postponed from its scheduled dates in June and July last year due to weather concerns in West Africa, will live long in the memory for a record number of goals, continuous surprises and a clear capacity for non-stop drama.

Much of that was provided by the home side, who were then on the verge of an early exit A shock 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea On the first group outing.

Gasset departed as coach and Fay was able to instill renewed faith after inheriting a team that had received a second life as one of the top four third-place teams.

Progress was secured after Morocco – whose national flag was waved by Ivory Coast captain Max Gradel before lifting the trophy – beat Zambia in the final round of group matches to prevent South Africa from stealing their place.

Elephants supporters were understandably left reeling after a record home defeat but they rallied behind a team that showed incredible mental fortitude. Eliminate Senegal And Financial In two epic confrontations, before the routine victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals.

Fay, who was part of the Ivory Coast side that finished runners-up to Egypt in 2006 – a season in which he played every minute, won Africa's top prize in just his fourth match in senior management.

The resilience of the 40-year-old coach's team was confirmed, as the hosts maintained their nerve after falling behind the run of play in front of a sea of ​​orange in the final match.

Ivory Coast became the 12th host nation to win the Cup of Nations, while Nigeria would suffer their fifth defeat in the final – their second in Abidjan after losing to Cameroon in 1984.