Ivory Coast complete stunning AFCON run, Haller hero again in comeback vs Nigeria – NBC Sports
Ivory Coast won its third Africa Cup of Nations by coming back to beat Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday, completing a stunning turnaround as hosts after barely qualifying for the knockout rounds and firing their coach after the group stage. And then there were two: Nigeria and the Ivory Coast.
[ MORE: Full AFCON schedule, scores, analysis ]
These two sides met in Group A of this tournament with Nigeria prevailing 1-0 and the Super Eagles again took a lead in the final through the superb William Troost-Ekong. It wouldn’t last, as Les Elephants stars Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller — the latter barely a year removed from a long absence to fight testicular cancer — scored to produce the victory.
Nigeria were the most consistent side at this tournament in the Ivory Coast but their wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations trophy since 2013 will continue after producing just 0.24 xG and getting out-attempted 18-5 in the final.
The Ivory Coast sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset after the group stage. Les Elephants squeaked through as the fourth-best third-place team but flourished in the knockout rounds under the guidance of caretaker Emerse Fae. Brighton’s Simon Adingra’s return to full fitness was a boon to the side, and he had two assists in the final.
Kick off: 3pm ET, Sunday (February 11)
How to watch in USA: beIN Sports USA
Where: Abidjan – Alassane Ouattara Stadium
The Super Eagles definitely have the strongest squad in this tournament and Osimhen, Lookman and Simon are a brilliant front three. But Lookman is the only Nigerian forward to really get going so far at this tournament as Osimhen shook off an injury to play in the semifinal. Nigeria also have Chukwueze, Moffi and Iheanacho to bring on in attack too and they have so many attacking options and can cause opponents so many different types of problems. Don’t forget: Nigeria are also missing striker Victor Boniface due to injury and he has been starring for Bayer Leverkusen over the last 12 months. There are plenty of familiar names to Premier League fans in this Nigeria side with Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong all playing key roles too. Can Jose Peseiro get the balance right for Nigeria in the final?
There is huge pressure on this Ivory Coast side but there’s also huge excitement too. Home fans expected them to go out in the group stage but the way they’ve rejuvenated themselves has been incredible with Haller leading the line and Max Gradel and Adingra causing so many problems from wide areas. Franck Kessie has been sublime since he came in to midfield, while goalkeeper Yahia Fofana has also come up big on multiple occasions. Odilon Kossounou, captain Serge Aurier and Oumar Diakite will be back from suspension, which is a big boost for Les Elephants.
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