The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), officially came to an end on February 11, with the host nation, Ivory Coast finishing on top, after coming from behind to win against Nigeria.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast under Emerse Faé have been clinical, ruthless, and above all, entertaining. Faé’s tactical plan was to keep the Super Eagles Victor Osimhen, Lookman and Simon quiet all night and even though that plan was working effectively, Ivory Coast went into the break behind after Nigeria took the lead, thanks to Ekong’s header.
The Ivorians, returned into the second half with nothing to lose, as they were already trailing against a side that hasn’t really dropped many points from losing position.
The Ivorians threw an unforgettable performance in the second half with Adingra being Faé’s main strategy to dismantle Nigeria. After losing a couple clear chances, Adringa’s corner kick found Kessie who converted with his head to draw his side level.
Sébastien Haller, who had been silent all game, became the hero of the night yet again as he completed the comeback with an astonishing finish from a deadly cross. Victor Osimhen and his compatriots were kept in the waiting room all night by Sangare and Dicka.
During the finals, Nigeria seemed a bit off as they were outplayed in all key positions and as they struggled to keep up with Ivory Coast. Yesterday’s game was the first they lost In the competition and the first they have lost from a winning position.
Nigeria failed to win their fourth AFCON despite taking the lead, and Ivory Coast are now draw-level with the Super Eagles with three AFCON titles each.
Since firing their coach, Emerse Faé took over as interim coach and has only been in charge of four games as Ivorian coach, and he has so far beaten Senegal, DR Congo and Nigeria in the process to obtaining his first AFCON title.
