The resilient Ivory Coast team, likened to unstoppable zombies, defied all odds in their journey to clinch victory in the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time. Despite facing formidable opponents and setbacks throughout the tournament, including defeats in the group phase against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Emerse Faé’s side showcased unwavering determination.
Their ability to overcome deficits in the knockout stage demonstrated their indomitable spirit and earned them a well-deserved triumph. While some may argue that this Ivory Coast team does not rank among the greatest sides, their remarkable performance undoubtedly secured them a place in the annals of tournament history.
Triumph Against All Odds: Ivory Coast’s Unconventional Path to Glory
Winning a tournament by qualifying as the fourth of four best third-place teams, undergoing a coaching change, and engaging in introspection might not have been the intended path for any team. However, as revealed in numerous player interviews, this unconventional journey may have turned out to be the most exhilarating route to victory.
Despite initial challenges and uncertainties, the jubilant atmosphere at the final whistle echoed throughout the 60,000-capacity arena, with an overwhelming display of joy and unity among fans, save for the Nigerian supporters. Beyond the realms of football, this triumph holds profound significance, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience for a nation that emerged from civil war just over a decade ago.
Before the start of the game, a large banner was displayed expressing gratitude to the players. Later, it was replaced by a massive flag featuring an “elephant commando” – a robust and seemingly cheerful elephant dressed in green military attire, an orange vest, and a stylish cap. Assigning a precise value to such gestures is challenging, and it will take time to assess whether the $1 billion-plus investment in the tournament and associated infrastructure has yielded overall positive results.
However, over the past two weeks, as President Alassane Ouattara had hoped, a sense of unity has been portrayed. At 82 years old, he stood amidst the jubilant players just before the trophy presentation, solidifying his position as a leading contender for next year’s general election.
A Nation United: Ivory Coast’s AFCON from Yamoussoukro to Abidjan
Ivory Coast’s triumphant journey through the Africa Cup of Nations saw them secure victories in diverse locations across the nation: their last-16 triumph in Yamoussoukro, the quarter-final win in the former rebel capital of Bouaké, and the semi-final and final matches held in Abidjan. The entire country erupted in celebration, highlighting the profound impact of sporting success as a symbol of unity and resilience.
The decisive goal, scored nine minutes from time, epitomized the theme of remarkable comebacks. Sébastien Haller, who battled testicular cancer just 18 months prior, emerged as the hero. His mere presence in the squad was a testament to his extraordinary resilience. Although sidelined by an ankle injury during the group stage, his impactful contributions upon his introduction 17 minutes from time during the last-16 tie showcased his influence.
Haller’s pivotal role continued in the quarter-final, where his halftime entry proved instrumental. Remarkably, the semi-final marked his first start, culminating in him scoring the solitary goal. In the final, Haller’s adept improvisation led to him guiding in a cross from Simon Adingra with his studs, securing the ultimate victory for Ivory Coast.
Jean-Louis Gasset, the 70-year-old French coach who was dismissed after the group stage, may ponder that he lacked the advantage of a fully fit Adingra. However, it’s equally apparent that he failed to establish a strong connection with both his squad and the Ivorian people, thereby failing to instill a cohesive sense of purpose. Moreover, Gasset’s decision to exclude the central midfield trio of Jean Michaël Seri, Franck Kessié, and Seko Fofana, whose ability to dictate play proved pivotal to Ivory Coast’s success, raised further questions regarding his tactical acumen.
Franck Kessié, notably, headed in the equalizer from Adingra’s cross just after the hour mark. While Ivory Coast’s remarkable resilience deserves commendation, Nigeria’s performance raises concerns. It was unsurprising that they adopted a cautious approach from the outset, recognizing the importance of silencing the home crowd. After weathering the early Ivorian onslaught, Nigeria’s persistence paid off when William Troost-Ekong headed in his fourth goal of the tournament, marking the first goal conceded by Ivory Coast in any of the five finals they have contested.
Nigeria’s team is under the management of José Peseiro, whom José Mourinho regards as his closest ally in football. The resemblance between the two managers lies in their shared confidence and pragmatic approach to the game. However, attempting to adopt a defensive stance and protect a lead in the traditional Mourinho style often proves ineffective in modern football. Nigeria exhibited purposeful defense and a clear counter-attacking strategy in the first half but faltered in the second half when attempting to control the game, ultimately succumbing to overwhelming pressure and failing to adjust their tactics accordingly.
Nevertheless, attempting to rationalize the outcome may be futile. Some forces are simply unstoppable. Ivory Coast’s “golden generation” had pursued victory in the tournament for years, with Emerse Faé, a finalist in 2006, managing just four games before leading Ivory Coast to their third Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
