An exceptional closing ceremony
The traffic jam-packed streets of Abidjan bubbled with palpable excitement as the grand closing of AFCON 2023 loomed. Floodlights illuminated the Alassane Ouattara Stadium as a sea of Les Éléphants supporters in bright orange jersey’s filled up the 60,000 seater arena. Fireworks beautified the performances of Ivorian global reggae icon Alpha Blondy, Serge, Roseline, Didi B, Tam Sir and Team Paiya as fans danced to their hit song, ‘Coup de Marteau’. FIFA president, Gianni infantino, Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara, former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, made up the high number of dignitaries and celebrities in attendance. Breath-taking aerial views of the colourful fiesta taking place in the biggest football field in Coted’Ivoire was just a glimpse of the bliss this glorious night had in store for Ivorian’s worldwide. After the rollercoaster of emotions, they had been through, it was simply magical to digest the fact that their beloved nation had become the first host nation to reach a Nations cup final since Egypt in 2006.
The grand finale: The Elephants of Coted’Ivoire vs. The Super Eagles of Nigeria
After weeks of intense ‘warfare’ between twenty-four teams, AFCON 2023 reached its climax as Nigeria met the tournament hosts in a showdown for continental supremacy. The Super Eagle’s over confidence was seemingly justified after conceding just two goals before the finals and already defeating the Elephants in the group stages. Captain Troost-Ekong returned to haunt the hosts with yet another goal against them in the first half of the final. The towering header from the corner kick stunned the stadium to silence as Nigerian legends, Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo anxiously watched from the stands, hopeful of a fourth title celebration with their predecessors.
A big team talk at half-time from Coted’Ivoire’s interim coach Emerse Fae fired up the Elephants who came out guns blazing in the second half. The tremendous pressure applied on the Nigerian defence eventually paid off when Frank Kessie levelled the match from a corner kick. The ‘miracle survivors’ sealed their third AFCON title courtesy of a winning goal by Sebastien Haller, nine minutes from the end of the match. Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba and thousands of Ivorian’s in the stands burst into wild celebrations as the final whistle blew. Super eagle fans were left with shattered hearts and forced to deal with a torrent of taunts on social media.
Individual accolades
As the Super Eagles reflected on their fifth AFCON final loss, captain Troost-Ekong solemnly walked up to the podium to receive his award for the Best Player of the tournament. The 30 year-old PAOK FC centre back made crucial tackles, organized one of the most solid defensive units in the competition and even stepped up to score decisive penalties for Nigeria, including two against Golden Glove winner, Ronwen Williams in the semi-finals. The Mamelodi Sundown’s shot stopper made sure Bafana Bafana never left the shores of Coted’Ivoire empty handed. His fine strings of saves secured the bronze for Hugo Broos and his promising teammates. The likes of Percy Tau, Lyle Foster, Lebogang Mothiba, Evidence Makgopa, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala certainly flew the flag high for South-Africa.
Equatorial Guinea’s Emilo Nsue surprisingly beat lethal strikers like Sadio Mane, Victor Osimhen and Mostafa Mohamed to the Golden Boot award. The 34-year-old, who plays as a right-back for Intercity in the third-tier of Spain, scored five goals in four games. The former Mallorca star bagged a brace in the Nzalang Nacional’s 4-0 win over the tournament winners. The defeat inspired one of the most beautiful fairy tales in African football history. After the sacking of Jean-Louis Gasset, Emerse Fae masterminded an historic revival and won the coach of the tournament in the process. From being on the brink of elimination to AFCON 2023 glory. From being deeply despised by their own country to local heroes. From a fatal testicular cancer diagnosis to scoring the winning goal in the final, the Elephants of Coted’Ivoire are truly inspirational.
AFCON 2023: An African story well told
AFCON 2023 will forever be remembered as a spectacle that told a beautiful African story to the world. The pure talent, passion, excellence, flair and rich diversity of African football was on full display. Over two billion people worldwide were left captivated by the jaw dropping action on the pitch.
Well done to the CAF team and Patrice Motsepe.
Congratulations Coted’Ivoire.
