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| Cote D’Ivoire wins AFCON 2023 |
Ivory Coast became the first country since Egypt in 2006 to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as host nation following their win over Nigeria on Sunday night.
Sebastien Haller, once again, was the hero for the Elephants who came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.
The Borussia Dortmund man, who had also scored the semi-final winner just 13 months after returning from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra's cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes left to cap a second-half comeback and stir frenzied celebrations in Abidjan.
William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before halftime with a stunning header from nine yards out from a corner.
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The Super Eagles went into the break with a 1-0 lead and looked certain to claim a fourth AFCON title at the expense of the Ivorians.
However, Ivory Coast came back from the recess the stronger side and pushed for an equaliser.
Franck Kessie equalised in the 62nd minute when he was unmarked at the back post after Adingra's corner.
Just few minutes away from full-time, Adingra burst forward down the right before sending in a cross which was met by Haller to turn the tie around for Ivory Coast.
After a dramatic run to the final, featuring coach Jean-Louis Gasset's departure following two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians won their third continental title with a well-deserved triumph.
The West Africans build on their two Nations Cup victories in 1992 and 2015, becoming the first tournament hosts to win since Egypt in 2006.
