Ivory cost champions of AFCON final

Extraordinary scenario experienced at the Alassane-Ouattara stadium (60,000 seats) located in Abidjan, which hosted the final of the 34th edition of AFCON 2024, the most anticipated African football event of the year between Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

At the end of this game, which pledges not only a spectacle on the field but also an electric atmosphere in the stands, the Ivorians won the contest for African supremacy and won continental GOLD by defeating their Nigerian counterparts (2-1).

The last team to accomplish this “feat” as host country was Egypt in 2006, which also won the AFCON. Just before her, Tunisia in 2004 was also crowned at home.

This final was an actual test of character for the Nigerians, undefeated and having an impre6ssive run throughout this edition, and who were able to demonstrate their resilience and determination thanks to their captain William Troost-Ekong, making his way to the final stage with flying colours. Their composure did not permit them to win the gold medal and a 4th continental title (after those of 1980, 1994 and 2013) against hosts who narrowly escaped.

On the other hand, it was a good possibility for the host nation to take revenge on their opponent of the day, who had beaten up them in the 1st round (1-0) and accomplished a clear purpose since the beginning of the tournament: to be crowned for the 3rd time (after those of 1992 and 2015) on its soil. It was Franck Kessie (62′ – video) and then Sebastien Haller who managed to turn the Nigerians around.