Ivory Coast National Team Wins 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Their Journey is Like a Fairy Tale
Ivory Coast has written a new chapter in their football history by clinching the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. In a tournament filled with drama, resilience, and moments of sheer brilliance, the Elephants overcame numerous obstacles to lift their third AFCON trophy. Their journey to glory was nothing short of a football fairytale, as they battled past some of the continent’s strongest teams to emerge victorious on home soil.
A Shaky Start That Almost Ended in Disaster
The tournament did not begin in the best way for Ivory Coast. Despite being one of the favorites and hosting the competition, they struggled in the group stage. A shocking 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea put their qualification hopes in jeopardy, leading to the sacking of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset. With their fate hanging by a thread, the Elephants scraped through to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.
Haller’s Heroics and a New Fighting Spirit
With interim coach Emerse Faé taking charge, Ivory Coast showed a remarkable transformation in the knockout stages. Led by key players such as Franck Kessié, Simon Adingra, and returning striker Sébastien Haller, the team rediscovered their rhythm. Haller, who had recently returned from his battle with cancer, became the hero of the tournament with crucial goals that propelled his nation forward.
Their Round of 16 clash against defending champions Senegal was a turning point. After trailing for most of the match, the Elephants forced a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made crucial saves to send them through. This victory injected new belief into the squad and set the stage for a remarkable run.
The Road to the Final
In the quarterfinals, Ivory Coast came up against Mali in an intense contest that stretched into extra time. A late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 win, keeping their dream alive. The semifinal against DR Congo was another tight affair, but a single goal from Haller was enough to send them to the final, sparking wild celebrations among their passionate home fans.
A Dream Ending in Abidjan
The final saw Ivory Coast take on Nigeria, a team that had defeated them 1-0 in the group stage. This time, however, the Elephants were determined to change the narrative. Despite falling behind to an early goal, they showed immense character to fight back.
Franck Kessié equalized in the second half before Haller, the man of the moment, netted a dramatic winner to seal a 2-1 victory. As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in joy, with thousands of Ivorian fans celebrating their nation’s triumph.
A Historic Third Title
This victory marked Ivory Coast’s third AFCON title, adding to their previous wins in 1992 and 2015. However, this triumph was arguably the most emotional and dramatic, given the struggles they faced throughout the tournament. The Elephants showcased true resilience, proving that setbacks do not define a team, but rather their ability to rise from adversity.
What’s Next for Ivory Coast?
With this victory, Ivory Coast has re-established itself as a powerhouse in African football. The team now looks forward to building on this success as they prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Their young and talented squad, combined with newfound confidence, could make them a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. For now, though, the nation of Ivory Coast is celebrating a moment that will be remembered for generations. The 2024 AFCON was more than just a tournament for them—it was a story of redemption, belief, and the magic of football.
