The third Africa Cup of Nations trophy in its history was won by the Ivory Coast by winning the cup in its home!
In their 5th final in the competition, held at the “Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan”, Faye’s team won 2-1 against Nigeria and celebrated in front of their fans the prestigious trophy.
The first after 2015 and the third overall after the “virgin” of 1992!
The defeat in the group match by Nigeria made the “host” of the tournament stubborn, who, although they found themselves behind in the score due to William Trost-Ekong’s goal in the 38th minute, managed to equalize with Kessier in the 62nd minute and take the trophy with a goal by Ale from an assist by Antigras for 2-1 in the 81′.
In its 8th appearance in a final, Nigeria failed to reach the top, even though the final started with the most ideal conditions. Ekong’s goal, in fact, made the “super eagles” captain the first footballer to score against Ivory Coast in an Africa Cup of Nations final.
The sequel was not the same for the Nigerians. Akti put a lot of pressure in the second half and managed, with the same number of assists from Andingra, to bring… the final somersault and win the third Cup in its history.
The compositions:
Ivory Coast: Fofana, Aurier (70′ Singo), Entika, Konan, Kosunu, Gradel (70′ Diakite), Kesi, Seri (90+3′ Amani), S. Fofana (88′ Sangare), Ale (88′ Craso), Andingra .
Nigeria: Nwabali, Ekong, Ajagi, Aina, Bassey, Zaidoo (87′ Mofi), Onyeka (87′ Aribo), Iwobi (78′ Yusuf), Chukwueze (56′ Simon), Lookman (78′ Iyanatso), Osimene