AFCON 2023: Fans Salute Ivory Coast for Beating Nigeria to Win 3rd Title

• Ivory Coast beat Nigeria 2-1 to win the 2023 AFCON
• The hosts came from one goal down to secure the victory
• Fans have lauded the Elephants' incredible journey to glory

Ivory Coast have done it.

They have beaten Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller scored for the hosts as they came back from a goal down.

Fans have congratulated the Elephants for an incredible run to the final after nearly going out early on.

Nigeria, as they have done throughout the tournament, took the lead through captain William Troost-Ekong late in the first half. The Super Eagles, however, were second best all game and were punished at the hour mark.

Simon Adingra's corner was met by Kessie, who headed past Stanley Nwabali. The Brighton youngster supplied another superb cross, which Haller turned in to give Ivory Coast the lead.

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It is a phenomenal achievement, considering they were on the brink of going out at the group phase. They upset Senegal in the Round of 16 and made a sensational comeback against Mali in the quarter-final to stay in the tournament, per CAF.

How fans reacted to Ivory Coast's win

@Mwems_:

Nothing short of a fairytale, the comeback Kings. The epitome of meeting great expectations, taking your second chances and making the most out of it.

@KennedyWandera_:

"Nigeria had it all in sight, was clear favourite to win it. Football is just unpredictable."

@FootChampTv:

"Congratulations to Ivory Coast. They were almost out of the group stage, sacked their coach and appointed another manager. Beat favourites Senegal in the Round of 16. What a tournament. They have refused to die and now have won it all."

@iammutiu8:

"Congrats to the Elephants! Amazing story for Ivory Coast!"

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@Mawunya_:

"Thank you for humbling Nigeria."

Haller wins AFCON for Ivory Coast

Sports Brief earlier reported on Haller scoring the winner for Ivory Coast to help them lift their third AFCON title.

The Borussia Dortmund striker poked home from close range following a neat cross from Simon Adingra.

The Elephants have now won three AFCON titles. The last time they lifted the trophy was in 2015.