Simon Adingra: Brighton Squad Gives Ivory Coast Star Guard of Honour As He Returns After AFCON Win

• Simon Adingra is back at Brighton after Ivory Coast's AFCON win
• The winger was given a wonderful reception to celebrate the win
• The 22-year-old provided both assists for Ivory Coast in the final

Simon Adingra was given a colourful reception as he returned to Brighton after helping Ivory Coast win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on February 11.

Adingra provided two assists in the Elephants' hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria on home soil in the final.

Despite making two starts and three substitute appearances, Adingra was superb in the final. He was deservedly named the man of the match after assisting Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

On Friday morning, Brighton players and staff gave the youngster a guard of honour at the Amex Stadium to celebrate his successful AFCON campaign.

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Amidst the fireworks, the players and staff cheered the winger as he emerged from the tunnel carrying the Ivoryian flag.

It was a fitting celebration of his incredible exploits at the 2023 AFCON. With Ivory Coast staring at defeat in the quarter-final against Mali, Adingra came up clutch with an 86th-minute equalizer, per the Athletics.

Ivory Coast fans will remember the youngster's name for years to come for his contribution to their third continental crown. Adingra has scored five goals for Brighton this season, per Transfermarkt.

Adingra among AFCON breakout stars

Sports Brief also reported on Simon Adingra making the list of breakout stars from the 2023 AFCON.

The Brighton youngster was named the CAF Young Player of the Year. After struggling with fitness in the first few games, Adingra's influence grew as the tournament continued.

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Other players on the list include Stanley Nwabali, the Nigerian goalkeeper. Mali's Mohamed Bayo is also on the list after a great campaign.

Angola's Gelson Dala also made the list. He scored four goals, including two against Namibia in the Round of 16.

Brighton fan watches Adingra star in final

Sports Brief recently reported on a Brighton fan watching Simon Adingra play in the final in Abidjan. The fan travelled from the UK to Ivory Coast.

Adingra made his trip worthwhile, producing a man-of-the-match performance against the Super Eagles. The Brighton supporter joined the celebrations at the Stade Alassane Ouattara following the Elephants' win.