Cote D'Ivoire have achieved the 'host and win' after edging Nigeria by 1-2 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium to emerge as champions of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the sloppy start, sitting always in their zone and watched Cote D'Ivoire dominate play, Nigeria managed to get themselves into the lead before half time courtesy a brave header from captain Troost-Ekong.
The Elephants first incursion was on the 12th minute mark when Max Gradel crafted in a long cross of which nearly got Ola Aina scored into his own net but managed to clear off the crossbar for a wasted corner kick.
On the 20th minute, a good ball from Adingrah into enemy territory was poorly checked by Zaidu Sanusi and resulted into a corner kick. The delivery got to far post and fell on the path of Gradel but his overhead kick went wide.
Thirteen minutes on, a good build up from the Oranges got to Simon Adingra in the box who went for power but was parried away nicely by Stanley Nwabali.
Just three minutes later, Nigeria snatched lead from a corner kick which was headed brilliantly by skipper William Troost-Ekong who jumped high above Serge Aurier to put it beyond the reach of Yahia Fofana. Just what they kept on hunting for.
Back from recess, both teams returned on a blistering note and took the game at each other with this approach looking completely different from the first half.
The Oranges with another glorious opportunity on the 49th minute as Adingra's cross was initially pushed out and got to Gradel but his final strike was also blocked.
Cote D'Ivoire created another descent opportunity nine minutes later after Adingra sent in another good cross but Kessie's header was too feeble to trouble Stanley Nwabali.
Koussounou made a good run from the back and sent a strong hit but was punched out by Nwabali to a corner kick.
Adingra sent a good delivery, Franck Kessie connected with a good header on the 62nd minute to get his side back on level terms.
With nine minutes to full time, Sebastien Haller brilliantly tapped into the net from Simon Adingra's cross from a close range to put Cote D'Ivoire in the lead for the first time in the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho made his way through a pool of defenders and sent a powerful one but was blocked hugely by Evan Dickah.
After 90+7 minutes, it ended 1-2 for Cote D'Ivoire who have successfully achieved the host and win.
Cote D'Ivoire are the champions of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, winning it for the third time after 1992 and 2015.
