The Ivorian government announced Monday, February 12, 2024 as a holiday to celebrate the victory of Les Elephants in the Africa Cup of Nations. The hosts emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Nigeria on Sunday night, securing their third AFCON title.
The Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan will host a trophy parade today, as announced by the Ivorian government. Notable figures such as President Alassane Ouattara and other high-ranking government officials will grace the event with their presence.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the president will use this occasion to publicly declare a monetary reward for the players and their officials.
Against all odds, the Super Eagles took the lead with a goal from William Troost-Ekong just before halftime. Troost-Ekong displayed his aerial ability by outjumping Serge Aurier and scoring a powerful header into the top corner in the 38th minute. However, the tournament hosts were determined to stage a comeback.
In the second half, Calvin Bassey made a crucial goal-line block to deny Max Gradel, preventing the equalizer. The Ivory Coast team’s persistence paid off when Franck Kessie headed home from Simon Adingra’s corner, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd shortly after the hour mark.
As the game progressed, Ivory Coast grew in confidence, and with only nine minutes remaining, Borussia Dortmund striker Haller, who had overcome testicular cancer in 2022 and undergone surgeries and chemotherapy, skillfully flicked Adingra’s precise cross into the net, giving his team a well-deserved lead.
Despite a late surge from their opponents, Ivory Coast, who had recently changed management, held on to secure an impressive comeback victory at the lively Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
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