2023 AFCON: Triumphant Elephants win third AFCON Title on home soil

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By Michael Osei 

2023 AFCON WINNERS 

The Elephants of Cote D'Ivoire have won the 2023 AFCON after beating Nigeria in regulation time. The West Africans picked up their third title since 2015 and became the first host nation to win the competition after Egypt in 2006.

In a much anticipated final that saw the 60,000 capacity Alassane Ouattara stadium filled to the brim, both West African nations exhibited high-level football with the Ivoriens dominating the encounter on possession.

The Super Eagles got into the lead through a Moses Truust-Ekong header in the 38th minute which sent thrills throughout the stadium. Nigeria looked hungry for glory but managed to end the first half on a lone goal after creating a few good chances.

Moses Truust-Ekong celebrate opener 

Ivory Coast continued to dominate possession as the second half resumed, with Franck Kessie and Right to Dream Academy graduate and Brighton star Simon Adingra tormenting the Nigerian half. The break came in the 62nd minute when Kessie met a perfect cross from Adingra to net home the equaliser. The stadium erupted in Joy as fans roared the team on to victory.

Franck Kessie 

The onslaught continued as the Ivoriens kept pressing for the winner untill the 88th minute when Simon Adingra once again provided a brilliant cross to Sebastian Haller who intelligently tapped in the ball to seal the winner for the Elephants - the mission was completed!

Haller scores winning goal 

Nigeria fought back to restore parity but they failed to convert their chances as the referee ended the game after 7 added minutes. 

Ivory Coast are the new champions of Africa for the third time!

South Africa had earlier won third-place after beating DR Congo 1-0 on Saturday evening.

Awardees 

Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament - Ronwen Williams for his heroic four penalty saves against Cape Verde and two versus Morocco. 

Highest goal scorer - Emiliano Nsue Lopez (Guinea-Bissau - 5 goals)

Best Player of the Tournament - Moses Truust-Ekong (Nigeria)

Best Young Player of the tournament - Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), and Man of the Match for the final. 

Best Coach - Emerse Fae ( Ivory Coast).

The Awardees 

Morocco are billed to host the continent in the next edition in 2028.

Watch Match Highlights 


📼 CAF TV 




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