Ivory Coast followed in the footsteps of Qatar, hosts and champions of the Asia Cup, and were crowned in the Africa Cup after returning to the final against Nigeria with a goal from Haller, hero, in the 80th minute.
No one would have thought the Elephants would emerge as champions given the group stage, where even coach Jean-Louis Gasset was sacked with options left, but thanks to Emerse Fae, who managed the team with a promise. momentarily, they achieved it.
The match could go either way. It has no owner. Both Ivory Coast and Nigeria came out on the pitch somewhat reserved, more concerned with keeping the draw and not letting themselves down than scoring, at least in the opening minutes.
Haller started the first game, but gradually the super eagles grew and equalized the force. This must be a matter of strategy, as very little is generated from play, as the tie is broken. Troost-Ekong, captain of Nigeria, wins the jump and puts his team ahead (38′).
It was a tough call for Ivory Coast, who with the support of their fans and the strength of the hosts did not let up. In the second half he began to gain ground on his rival and, also through strategy, collected the prize. Frank Kessie, who else, leveled the scores again by heading a corner kick to the far post (62′).
The pressure and fear of fitting in resurfaced, more than the desire to be a champion. Stretched legs and tired players, everything indicated that another extra time could be absolutely within reach, but Haller avoided it. Adingra, who continued to try one on one, put in a very hard cross which the Dortmund forward picked up by raising his foot and hitting the ball with his studs (81′).
The bucket of cold water affected Nigeria more than necessary, showing that they did not have the resources to do damage in the latter stages. The cameras pointed to Osimhen, who tiptoed into the final as if it were an Africa Cup that stayed in the Ivory Coast.
Nigeria
12
Ivory Coast
Nigeria: Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Ola Aina, Onyeka (Moffi, 86′), Iwobi (Yusuf, 79′), Sanusi (Aribo, 86′); Chukwueze (Simon, 56′), Osimhen and Lookman (Iheanacho, 79′)
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana; Aurier (Singo, 70′), Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessié, Seri (Amane, 90′), S. Fofana (Sangaré, 88′); Gradel (Diakité, 70′), Haller (Krasso, 88′) and Adigra
Goal: 1-0, Troost-Ekong (28); 1-1, Kessie (62′); 1-2, Haller (81′)
Spectators: 57,094 at Stade Alassane Ouattara
Referee: Beida Dahane (Mauritania)
see the match sheet
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
