The Elephant of Cote d’Ivoire defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament they hosted.
The Ivorians were by far the better side as the Eagles played negative football and were made to pay for their lackluster performance.
The Super Eagles opened the scoring in the 38th minute of the match. William Troost-Ekong headed the ball towards goal from close-range and it went into the roof of the net to leave the goalkeeper helpless.
In the 49t minute, Max Gradel was first to get to the rebound but his shot was blocked.
Cote d’Ivoire equalised in the 62nd minute of the match. Franck Kessie met the corner and displayed his eye for goal as he coolly planted a header from close range into the right side of the goal to make it 1-1.
Cote d’Ivoire deservedly scored their second goal in the 81st minute of the match. Simon Adingra sent a precise lofted cross into the box. Sebastien Haller latched on to it and finished with a quick shot into the top right corner, with the goalkeeper having no chance.
