Hosts Ivory Coast produced a sensational comeback to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday. Sébastien Haller scored the winner in the 81st minute after Franck Kessié had cancelled out Victor Osimhen’s opener for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria dominate first half
Nigeria started the game with more intensity and confidence, as they looked to win their fourth Afcon title. They created several chances in the first half, with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze causing problems for the Ivory Coast defence. Lookman forced a good save from Yannick Fofana in the 12th minute, while Chukwueze hit the post with a curling shot in the 25th minute.
The pressure paid off in the 36th minute, when Osimhen broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a corner. The Napoli striker rose above Evan Ndicka and nodded the ball past Fofana, who could not keep it out despite getting a hand to it. It was Osimhen’s fifth goal of the tournament, making him the joint top scorer with Haller.
Ivory Coast struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities in the first half, as they were outplayed by Nigeria. Their best chance came in the 43rd minute, when Max Gradel’s cross found Sékou Fofana, who volleyed over the bar from close range. The hosts looked nervous and frustrated, as they failed to match Nigeria’s pace and energy.
Ivory Coast turn the game around
The second half saw a different Ivory Coast, as they came out with more determination and aggression. They pressed Nigeria higher up the pitch and disrupted their rhythm. They also started to find more space and creativity in the final third, with Kessié, Gradel and Haller leading the charge.
The equalizer came in the 62nd minute, when Kessié scored a stunning goal from outside the box. The AC Milan midfielder received a pass from Jean Seri and unleashed a rocket that flew past Dele Nwabali into the top corner. It was a moment of brilliance from Kessié, who celebrated by taking off his shirt and revealing a message that read “For You, Papa”.
The goal galvanized Ivory Coast, who sensed that they could complete the comeback. They continued to push forward and create chances, while Nigeria looked shell-shocked and deflated. Haller had a header saved by Nwabali in the 69th minute, while Gradel fired wide from a good position in the 76th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 81st minute, when Haller scored the winner with a poacher’s finish. Gradel’s cross from the left was flicked on by Wilfried Zaha, who had come on as a substitute, and Haller was at the right place at the right time to tap in from close range. It was Haller’s sixth goal of the tournament, making him the sole top scorer and the hero of the night.
Nigeria tried to respond in the dying minutes, but it was too late. Ivory Coast held on to secure a remarkable victory and lift their third Afcon trophy. The final whistle sparked wild scenes of celebration at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, as the players, staff and fans rejoiced in their triumph.
Ivory Coast complete fairy-tale run
Ivory Coast’s victory was even more remarkable considering their turbulent campaign. They had sacked their coach Jean-Louis Gasset before the tournament and appointed Emerse Fae as the interim manager. They had barely qualified for the knockout stages, finishing third in their group behind Algeria and Zambia. They had survived two penalty shootouts against Senegal and Mali in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
But they showed their resilience and character in the final, as they came from behind to beat Nigeria, who were the favorites and had won all their previous matches. They also showed their quality and flair, as they scored two spectacular goals through Kessié and Haller. They proved that they are a team of champions, and deservedly lifted the trophy in front of their jubilant home crowd.
Nigeria, on the other hand, will be left to rue their missed chances and their collapse in the second half. They had dominated the first half and looked in control, but they failed to cope with Ivory Coast’s comeback and lost their composure. They will have to settle for the runners-up spot, and reflect on what went wrong in the final.
