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In a thrilling final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast clinched victory against Nigeria with a scoreline of 2-1 this Sunday. It was an incredible comeback for the Ivorians, with Sébastien Haller delivering the decisive goal in the 81st minute.
The crucial equalizer came from Franck Kessié at the 62nd-minute mark, rallying the host nation after falling behind. Ivory Coast’s national team proudly lifted the trophy for the third time, with previous triumphs noted in 1992 and 2015, both of which were decided by penalty shootouts.
Despite controlling the match’s pace initially, Ivory Coast found themselves trailing after Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong scored with a header in the 38th minute. The goal came against the run of play from a well-executed corner. Nigeria, which had been relatively subdued up to that point, only posed a significant threat to Ivory Coast’s defense following Haller’s tournament second goal. Haller, who also netted the winning goal in the semifinal against Congo, has made a remarkable impact playing for Borussia Dortmund.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How many times has Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations?
- Who scored the winning goal for Ivory Coast in the final?
- Did Ivory Coast win previously in regular play or penalties?
- Who is Ivory Coast’s Sébastien Haller?
Ivory Coast has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times – in 1992, 2015, and the latest victory.
Sébastien Haller scored the critical goal in the 81st minute, securing the win for Ivory Coast.
Their previous two championships were won after penalty shootouts.
Sébastien Haller is a professional forward who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund and the Ivory Coast national team.
Conclusion
The victory of Ivory Coast over Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations final was a testament to their tenacity and skill. Coming from behind to triumph with a last-gasp goal demonstrated the team’s competitive spirit and their star player Haller’s decisive influence. This win adds to the legacy of Ivory Coast’s football achievements and cements their status as one of Africa’s most formidable national teams.
