Cancer survivor Sebastien Haller inspired hosts Ivory Coast to their third Africa Cup of Nations title with a late winner to seal a 2-1 comeback win over Nigeria in Abidjan.
Five of the last six host nations to reach the final had won the AFCON title, but the Ivory Coast’s appearance in this edition at one point looked unlikely, their 4-0 group-stage defeat to Equatorial Guinea leading to the mid-tournament sacking of Jean-Louis Gasset.
The resurgent Elephants, who under caretaker boss Emerse Fae earned the nickname ‘the Zombies’, fell behind when Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong headed in a 38th-minute opener against the run of play, but it was cancelled out by Franck Kessie in the second half.
🏆 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺 🏆
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire are crowned African Champions for the third time in their history! 🥇#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Y2xx7l1JAb
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Haller, who in July 2022 was diagnosed with testicular cancer and returned to action with Borussia Dortmund just over a year ago, found the finishing touch to send the 60,000-seat Alassane Ouattara Stadium into raptures.
Former West Ham striker Haller looked to fire his side into an early lead when he flicked Simon Adingra’s cross wide of Stanley Nwabali’s right post, and, while the Elephants did not make much of a handful of early set-pieces, the hosts controlled more of the opening action than their more cautious opponents.
Max Gradel, playing in his fifth AFCON, sent a bicycle kick from the Ivory Coast’s third corner into the side-netting, and there were little in the way of chances for Nigeria by just after the 25-minute mark, when a brief scuffle ensued after Victor Osimhen insisted he had been unduly elbowed by Evan Ndicka.
Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro was booked for a subsequent protest before temperatures and tempers were cooled with a drinks break.
The Super Eagles, seeking a fourth AFCON title, took an unlikely lead not long after Adingra called Nwabali into action with a sharp effort, when at the other end the Elephants could only half-clear a corner and ex-Watford defender Troost-Ekong looped his header past Yahia Fofana.
There was a nervy moment for Nigeria just after the break, when Nwabali stuck a hand out to block Adingra’s cross, but the clearance travelled only as far as Gradel, whose shot stung the legs of Calvin Bassey and allowed time for the Nigeria keeper to make the save.
Kessie was next to push for an equaliser, sending a diving header straight at Nwabali, moments before the Nigeria shot-stopper pushed Odilon Kossounou’s effort around his post.
The home crowd erupted when the hosts levelled with the resulting corner, Nigeria gifting Kessie a free header which he obligingly directed downward and past Nwabali.
Haller sent an overhead kick wide of the left post, while there looked worrying news for Nigeria when star striker Osimhen seemed to be in pain, landing awkwardly after battling Seko Fofana for the ball.
Strictly Sebastian Haller stuff. 🤌🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023Final | #NGRCIV pic.twitter.com/r6p6jYeEyc
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024
Though he had not succeeded with his earlier acrobatic effort, Haller succeeded in the 81st minute, when he diverted in Adingra’s fine cross with a raised toe, securing both the trophy and his own national-hero status.
The hosts survived seven minutes of added time, clinging on for the nervy but well-deserved victory.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Watch and remember the kids Arsenal close to completing deal for Viktor Gyokeres The only way to stop this Chelsea. lol Hahahahah Chelsea vs PSG This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Man Utd continue to push for Bryan Mbeumo's signitureManchester United's transfer dealings have hit a speed bump, with Matheus Cunha being their only significant summer acquisition after his £60million move from Wolves earlier in the season.Their sights are now set on Bryan Mbeumo, who has been turning heads at Brentford, but two offers for the forward have been knocked back and a third bid i...
United head coach Ruben Amorim wants a new centre forward before the start of the seasonManchester United have been told to complete a summer transfer 'immediately'.United are in the market for a new centre forward, with it still unknown whether Ruben Amorim wishes to stick with Rasmus Hojlund.Hojlund has made it clear in recent weeks that he wants to stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford,...
Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of a battle between Nottingham Forest and TottenhamTottenham Hotspur remain hopeful of securing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, despite a furious row with Nottingham Forest over allegations that the London club illegally approached the player.Spurs seemed set to sign the 25-year-old after activating his £60million release clause and arranging a medical for t...
Petrovic set to undergo Bournemouth medical🚨🍒 Djordje Petrović will undergo medical at Bournemouth on Monday ahead of £25m deal from Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/7gtwkWXTEZ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2025Is £20m too much for USMNT star Sargent? PL suitors put offUSMNT star Josh Sargent continues to attract Premier League interest, but Norwich's £20 million ($27m) ...
Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunionMan United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly rejected the chance to join up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.The 21-year-old is one of several Man United attackers that are hoping to leave the club after their worst ever Premier League campaign.According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Garnacho has r...
Man City ace James McAtee to visit Eintracht FrankfurtMan City playmaker James McAtee will reportedly visit Eintracht Frankfurt as he edges closer to a move away from the Premier League.The 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Man City despite some impressive performances in limited chances last season.According to Sky Germany, he could be taking the route of heading to the Bunde...
Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashingReal Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reported warned his squad of superstars about their commitment after their 4-0 defeat to PSG at the FIFA Club World Cup.The Spanish giants were well and truly dismantled by PSG in their Club World Cup semi-final, reportedly leaving Alonso furious.According to Marca, the new manager has told his pl...
Bayern Munich turn to Leandro Trossard as nightmare window continuesBayern Munich have reportedly turned to Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as a back up plan should they fail to sign Liverpool's Luis Diaz.The German giants have had a frustrating summer window so far, missing out on Nico Williams, Jamie Gittens, and Florian Wirtz.Bayern’s new priority target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, alt...
Arsenal reach agreement with Sporting for Viktor GyokeresArsenal's move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken yet another step closer after the two clubs agreed to a fee.In what has arguably been the most dramatic transfer saga of the summer so far, Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with Sporting for the signing of Gyokeres, 27.According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 New coach confirms Modric move to Milan
- 4 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 5 Dominic Calvert-Lewin in talks with Newcastle as Man United circle
- 6 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club
- 7 DAZN sports host nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction at CWC
- 8 Everton sign Villarreal striker Barry: The fans here are like crazy people, I like this!
- 9 Bayern Munich lay out terms for Luis Diaz
- 10 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife