Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast once more, as the Elephants rallied from behind to defeat Nigeria and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil.
The striker, who had also scored the semi-final winner just 13 months after returning from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes left to cap a second-half comeback and stir frenzied celebrations in Abidjan.
William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before halftime with a powerful header from nine yards out following a corner.
Franck Kessie equalised for Ivory Coast in the 62nd minute, when he was unmarked at the back post after Adingra’s corner.
After a dramatic run to the final, which featured the departure of Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset following two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians won their third AFCON title with a well-deserved triumph.
Haller scored Ivory Coast’s only goal against DR Congo in the semi-final as the hosts turned their fortunes around to reach the final while Nigeria beat South Africa in a penalty shootout.
