Host-and-win: Sébastien Haller nets winner as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria to lift 2023 AFCON

Photo credit/CAF Media (X)

A resilient display by the Elephants of Ivory Coast has seen the country lifting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

The Elephants showed impressive fighting spirit on Sunday night to beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in the finals of the tournament.

As a result, the nation that recorded the first win at the 2023 AFCON has won the last match to be crowned Champions.

Final against Nigeria.
In the game against Nigeria played at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, the Elephants took control of the game very early in the first half and put pressure on the Super Eagles.

Against the run of play, Nigeria equalised to take the lead in the 36^th minute through a powerful header from captain William Troost-Ekong.

Although Ivory Coast would continue to push forward and enjoy the better share of possession, the hosts could not score and went into the break trailing narrowly.

After recess, the defense of Nigeria could hardly breathe.

Unable to contain the pressure for the next 45 minutes, goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller in the 62^nd and 81^st minutes after two assists from youngster Simon Adingra caused the downfall of the Super Eagles.

The hard-fought 2-1 victory gives Ivory Coast the country’s third Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

https://www.sofascore.com/nigeria-cote-divoire/tVbsKVb#id:11940779

At the end of the 34^th edition of the 2023 AFCON, Emilio Nsue from Equatorial Guinea is the Top Scorer with five goals.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams has been adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament and takes home the Golden Glove while Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong has been named Player of the Tournament by CAF.

Find more statistics in the attachment below.