Ivory Coast and Qatar Win AFCON and Asian Cup Finals
Ivory Coast and Qatar have each secured significant tournament victories in a display of football at its finest, capturing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Asian Cup, respectively. These wins highlight the teams’ exceptional talent and determination and mark their countries’ places on the global football stage.
Ivory Coast Deny Nigeria in AFCON Finale
In a thrilling climax to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Sebastien Haller emerged as Ivory Coast’s savior, steering the Elephants to a dramatic victory over Nigeria right on their turf. The forward, marking a heroic return just over a year after battling testicular cancer, deftly redirected Simon Adingra’s delivery with a clever flick of his boot in the dying minutes, igniting a frenzy of celebrations across Abidjan.
The match’s early narrative saw William Troost-Ekong thrust Nigeria into the lead, leaping to meet a corner with a commanding header that found the net shortly before the first half’s conclusion. However, Ivory Coast’s resolve shone through in the second half, with Franck Kessie leveling the scores with a well-placed nod from another Adingra corner.
This victory was the culmination of a remarkable journey to the final for Ivory Coast, marked by the mid-tournament departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset following a challenging group stage. Yet, the team’s spirit remained unbroken, securing their third AFCON title and etching their names alongside their 1992 and 2015 triumphs. Notably, they became the first host nation to lift the trophy since Egypt’s success in 2006.
Under the guidance of interim coach Emerse Fae, Ivory Coast navigated the knockout stages with flair, overcoming defending champions Senegal and Mali in nail-biting finishes. The nation’s commitment to the tournament was evident, with over $1 billion invested in hosting and infrastructure improvements, a move that paid dividends as they celebrated alongside Ivorian President Alassane Outtara in a stadium named in his honor.
It’s a national holiday in Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/qpkwTQYeYE
— Dr Sneaker Nyame (@SneakerNyame_) February 12, 2024
Competition Proves Profitable for the Ivory Coast
The financial rewards were significant, with Ivory Coast pocketing $7 million in prize money, while Nigeria, despite their valiant efforts and a previously unbeaten run, had to settle for $4 million. Punters who backed the Ivory Coast at USA betting sites also had reason to celebrate.
The match itself was a spectacle of tactical depth and resilience. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Ivory Coast found themselves trailing at halftime. However, the second half saw a rejuvenated Elephants side, with Adingra’s brilliance on the left flank sparking a turnaround that culminated in Haller’s decisive strike.
The narrative of the tournament, delayed due to weather concerns, was rich with drama, upsets, and a record number of goals, much of it courtesy of the host nation. After a shocking defeat in their final group match, Ivory Coast, under Fae’s stewardship, rallied to defy expectations and secure their spot in the knockout rounds, eventually marching on to claim the prestigious title. Emerse Fae, once a player in the 2006 team that finished as runners-up, has now, in a twist of fate, led his country to glory from the sidelines. His leadership not only revived a team on the brink of elimination but also instilled a belief that propelled them to the summit of African football.
As Ivory Coast basks in the glory of their victory, becoming the 12th host nation to win the Nations Cup, Nigeria is left to reflect on what might have been, marking their fifth defeat in the final and a second loss in Abidjan since 1984. This triumph, against all odds, will be remembered as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Elephants and a fairy tale ending to a tournament filled with unforgettable moments.
Qatar Retain Asian Cup
In a display of precision and nerve, Akram Afif etched his name into the annals of football history, netting a trio of penalties to steer Qatar to a 3-1 victory over Jordan in the Asian Cup final, held at the majestic Lusail Stadium. This monumental win etched Qatar’s name alongside the elite, as they joined the ranks of teams winning the Asian Cup consecutively, a feat last achieved in 2019.
The final was a rollercoaster of emotions and skill, with Yazan Al-Naimat momentarily drawing Jordan level with a second-half strike, challenging Qatar’s dominance after Afif’s initial penalty had put them ahead. Yet, Afif’s lethal accuracy from the spot in the latter stages, bolstered by decisive VAR interventions, saw him conclude the tournament with an impressive tally of eight goals.
Jordan, riding high from their unexpected 2-0 triumph over South Korea in the semi-finals, eyed the Asian Cup with ambition, aiming to claim the title in their debut final appearance. The match’s narrative took a turn when Qatar was awarded a penalty, a result of Afif being brought down by Abdallah Nasib, following a seamless pass from Lucas Mendes. Afif’s subsequent conversion was a testament to Qatar’s first-half brilliance.
However, Jordan, undeterred, found their rhythm in the second half, equalizing through Yazan Al-Naimat. Collecting a pass from Ihsan Haddad, Al-Naimat deftly evaded his defender to unleash a powerful shot past Meshaal Barsham, signaling Jordan’s resurgence.
VAR Instrumental in Penalty Awards
The equilibrium was short-lived, as Qatar was soon back in the lead, courtesy of another Afif penalty, awarded after Mahmoud Al-Mardi impeded Ismaeel Mohammad. As the match neared its climax, with an additional 13 minutes signaling hope for Jordan, VAR intervened once more, granting Qatar a third penalty for a foul on Afif by goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
Afif’s unwavering calm under pressure resulted in a hat-trick of penalties, igniting celebrations across Lusail Stadium and reaffirming Qatar’s dominance in Asian football. This victory not only showcased Qatar’s footballing prowess but also marked them as the first nation to successfully defend their Asian Cup title since Japan’s back-to-back wins in 2004.
Qatar wins asian cup after getting 3 controversial penalties in asian cup final.
They hosted the competition and rigged it successfully ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚😂 pic.twitter.com/TsgrqSZmeK
— Spina kicks 🇷🇼 (@Spinaaaaa17) February 10, 2024
The match was a testament to Qatar’s strategic gameplay, resilience, and the emerging talent of Akram Afif, whose contributions were pivotal in securing Qatar’s place at the pinnacle of Asian football. As Qatar celebrated their historic victory, they not only defended their title but also laid down a marker for the future, demonstrating their readiness to compete on the world stage and inspiring a new generation of footballers in the region.
