APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 to clinch the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.
The match played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium. Abidjan, saw the Super Eagles take the lead in the 38th minute of the match when the captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong headed the ball from a corner kick by Ademola Lookman to the right extreme of the goal post which beat the Ivorian keeper.
The Ivorians got the equalizer in the 62nd when Franck Kessie headed in the ball into the back of the net from the corner kick to bring the score line to 1-1.
The winning goal for the Elephants came in the 81st minute of the game when Franck Kessie flicked the ball into the back of the net from a perfect pass from his team mate to beat the Nigerian keeper.
The efforts by the Super Eagles to get the equalizer were frustrated by the Ivorians who beefed up their defence and adopted some delay tactics until the final whistle from the centre referee.
With this victory, Cote d’Ivoire emerges the African champions, followed by Nigeria with Silver medal, while South Africa finished third after beating Congo DR on penalties on Saturday.
GIK/APA