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| The Ivorians lift the third trophy, winning the Afcon 2023 (Photo: Getty Images) |
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire did a remarkable work on 14th February 2024 to win their third Afcon title by beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in the final at Alassane Ouattara stadium, being the next African country to set Host and Win record after Egypt in 2006.
The 34th edition of African Cup of Nations (Afcon 2023) hosted in Ivory Coast started from 13th January and ended on 14th February 2024. The tournament brought the 24 qualified and best performing African football nations to the coast of West Africa for a sensational competition. It featured some great football stars on the continent including Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus who plays for West Ham United in the EPL, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen playing for Napoli in Serie A, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, a formidable front of Liverpool in the EPL.
As a host nation, Ivory Coast played the opening match against Guinea-Bissau. They started on a good note by earning 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau but later lost their last two group-stage matches with a 1-0 loss to Nigeria and 4-0 defeat in the hands of Equatorial Guinea – their heaviest home defeat. The win over Guinea-Bissau was what saved them to be part of third place qualifying team to the round of 16.
The Ivorian Football Association sacked the team coach Jean-Louis Gasset after the second straight loss and it's evident that the decision of sacking him made the difference. Emerse Fae, a former player and assistant to Gasset was appointed as manager for the team and from that point the team bounced back into the tournament with a determination to lift the trophy.
The Elephants qualified from the round of 16 to quarter finals with a stunning, unexpected 5-4 penalty shootout win over defending champions Senegal, following a 1-1 full-time draw. Qualified to the semi-finals by beating Mali 2-1 and proceeded to secure a slot in the final by having a 1-0 win over the Leopards of DR Congo.
In the final, Nigeria looked set to repeat their 1-0 victory over the Ivorians during the group stage when captain Willaim Troost-Ekong – who had netted a penalty to decide their first meeting – rose to head in the opening goal late in the first half. All favors seem to be on the Super Eagles side with the host team set to lose the trophy before their fans. However, Frank Kessie massive header just as Troost-Ekong’s at the 62nd minute equalized the game.
At the 81st minute, Sebastien Haller turned in Simon Adingra’s cross into goal with a touch by his foot, sparking wild celebration among the sea of orange in the Alassane Ouattara stadium stands.
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| Sebastein Haller celebration after netting the winning goal |
Cote d’Ivoire success sees them add this year’s tittle to those claimed in 1992 and 2015, while this win also allows them to join Nigeria on three Cup of Nations triumphs overall.
The new record is being the next country to host and win the CAF African Cup of Nations.
The main international men’s association football competition in Africa (Afcon) started in 1957 (67 years ago) and before the immediate host and win by Ivory Coast, it has been hosted and won 11 times out of the 33 editions played, representing 33% of the tournaments according to sputnik Africa.
Hosting and winning the Afcon represents a remarkable achievement and only 8 nations have that record with Egypt (7 times winner of Afcon) having the most host and win records (3 titles). Egypt have hosted the championship five times in 1959, 1974, 1986, 2006 and 2019. And the three host and win titles were made on 1959, 1986 and 2006. The other countries include Ghana (hosted and won in 1963 and 1978), Sudan (hosted and won in 1970), Tunisia (hosted and won in 2004), Nigeria (hosted and won in 1980), South Africa (hosted and won in 1996), Ethiopia (hosted and won in 1962) and the North African nation Algeria, which also hosted and won the tournament in 1990.
Ivory coast’s current win makes the 12th host and win record of the African Cup of Nations, being the 9th nation to set this record. This is the second time hosting the championship following the 1984 edition, which they didn’t even have a place in the semi-finals.
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| President Alassane Ouattara holding the Afcon trophy |
On Tuesday 13th, the players, coaches and officials were received by head of state, Alassane Ouattara for a reception at the Presidential Palace, celebrating the Afcon victory. The players received medals and monetary gifts from Ouattara.
In the country’s National Order of Merit, team officials were awarded the rank of Commander, while the coaches and players were named Chevalier and officers. All these showing the president’s gratitude and above all his confidence in the team, which showed bravery and resilience throughout the African Cup of Nations.
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