On Sports
A packed-to-the-rafters Alassane Ouattara in in Stadium in Abidjan was the perfect setting for Cote d’Iovire to add a third African title in front of their loyal supporters who rallied them to a pole finish as a result of a 2-1 comeback victory.
For the 12th time in history, a host country have won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and the first since Egypt in 2006. This is also the third title for Côte d’Ivoire, after 1992 in Senegal and 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.
Sebastien Haller scored a dramatic late winner as hosts Ivory Coast fought back to beat Nigeria 2-1 in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final and complete the most remarkable of major tournament turnarounds by claiming their third continental title.
Ivory Coast’s success sees them add this year’s title to those claimed in 1992 and 2015, while this win also allows them to join Nigeria on three Cup of Nations triumphs overall.
Only Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana have won the title more often, with the Super Eagles squandering the opportunity to match their Ghanaian rivals on four victories.
Spearheaded by reigning African player of the year Osimhen, the Nigerians had looked the most formidable team in the competition over the last month.
But Ivory Coast’s sense of destiny was simply too overpowering, as they became the first host country to win the AFCON since 2006.
0
0
