AFCON 2023: Ivorian Stars Pay Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo With ‘Siuu’ After Winning Final, Video

• Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on the game continues to rise in leaps and bounds
• At the 2023 AFCON final, two Ivorian stars paid tribute to the Al-Nassr captain
• Meanwhile, it was Ivory Coast that clinched the ultimate, beating Nigeria in the final

A group of Ivorian players honoured Cristiano Ronaldo by performing his iconic 'Siuu' celebration following their triumph in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, February 11.

The Elephants, continuing their trend from the knockout stages, rallied from a goal down to defeat Nigeria in a thrilling Grand Finale held at the Stade Alassane Ouattara.

How Ivory Coast beat Nigeria in AFCON final

Despite starting strongly with the crowd's fervent support for an early goal, it was the Super Eagles who struck first, courtesy of captain William Troost-Ekong, named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 AFCON, who capitalised on a corner kick to give his side the lead, The Cable reports.

Senegal vs Ivory Coast: Super Eagles Legend Reacts After Host Nation Knocked Defending Champions Out of AFCON 2023

Football

In the second half, the AFCON hosts intensified their efforts and found the equaliser through former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, who headed home from close range off a corner kick.

According to CAFOnline, Sebastien Haller then sealed the comeback with a stylish finish, converting a pass from Simon Adingra.

Despite Nigeria's attempts to level the score after making substitutions, Emerse Fae's team held on for a 2-1 victory, clinching an eventful campaign that could have faltered during the group stages.

Ivorian players perform Ronaldo's 'Siuu'

Following the final whistle and before the individual awards ceremony and the presentation of the AFCON trophy, a group of Ivorian players paid homage to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Oumar Diakite and Karim Konaté, sporting the iconic No. 10 jersey, shared a passionate handshake before mimicking Ronaldo's celebrated 'Siuu' gesture.

AFCON 2023: Franck Kessie explains how Ivory Coast silenced Senegal and qualified for quarterfinals

Football

Here is the video:

South Africa players pay homage to CR7

In a similar scenario, Sports Brief previously highlighted an intriguing moment during Morocco's round of 16 clash with South Africa, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic celebration.

Teboho Mokoena and his teammates paid homage to the Al-Nassr captain by replicating Ronaldo's signature 'sleeping' celebration.

Following a goal, Mokoena approached one of the TV cameras and performed the celebratory gesture, with his teammates enthusiastically joining in.

Ronaldo originally introduced this celebration after scoring the winning goal for Manchester United against Everton on October 22, 2022.