Hosts Cote d’Ivoire face Nigeria in AFCON 2023 final
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will lock horns with Nigeria in the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after both countries won their semi-final games on Wednesday.
Cote d’Ivoire booked a ticket to the AFCON final after beating DR Congo 1-0 thanks to Sebastien Haller’s goal, while Nigeria cruised pass South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Haller was the matchwinner in Cote d’Ivoire match, superbly flicking in Nicolas Pepe’s cross to break the Congolese hearts and knocked the Leopards out of the competition, setting up this fascinating clash in Sunday’s final.
The Borussia Dortmund hitman has established himself in the Elephants after recovering from testicular cancer.
The 29-year-old returns with intent to break Nigerians hearts as he spearheads the Cote d’Ivoire attack alongside Pepe for a historic triumph against Nigeria’s Super Eagles that beat them 1-0 in the group stage.
The Super Eagles which had largely made light work of all their opponents in the build up to the semis, was forced into a dramatic penalty shootout by a dogged South African side.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning spot-kick to put Nigeria within touching distance of a fourth continental crown and first since 2013.
The AFCON Final will be played at the Stade Olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé, Abidjan on Sunday from 8.00 p.m.
