What really happened at AFCON 2024?

Editorial

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT AFCON 2024: A TALE OF TRIUMPH AND BANTER

February 13, 2024

Picture this: a packed Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, hearts pounding and cheers echoing through the air

and the stage set for a football showdown of epic proportions.

It’s Sunday, the 11th of February, and Ivory Coast, the host nation, is about to embark on a journey that will leave the footballing world in awe.

Now, let’s rewind a bit. Ivory Coast’s AFCON 2024 campaign didn’t exactly kick off with fireworks.

No, sir. They stumbled through the group stage, losing to the Super Eagles of Nigeria (yeah, we remember that one),

and let’s not even mention the 4-0 thrashing they received from Equatorial Guinea. Ouch! Talk about a rough start.

But hey, who said winning was supposed to be easy?

Against all odds, Ivory Coast clawed their way back into contention, squeaking into the round of 16

as the last-ditch qualifier among the best third-placed teams.

And that’s when the magic started to unfold.

here’s what happened at AFCON 2024

Ivory Coast Emerges Victorious

The climax of the tournament saw Ivory Coast, the host nation, clinch the coveted AFCON trophy.

The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan bore witness to an intense final match on Sunday, the 11th of February.

The final showdown is is is against the Super Eagles.

Captain William Troost Ekong led the charge, channeling his inner superhero to rally the troops.

With a header from Ekong himself, the Super Eagles took the lead in the first half, sending shockwaves through the stadium.

But hold your horses, folks, because this is where the plot thickens.

Enter Frank Kessie, stage left, with a thunderous header of his own, leveling the playing field.

And just when you thought things couldn’t get any crazier, Sebastian Haller pops up with a sublime volley late in the match

sealing the deal for Ivory Coast. Cue pandemonium in the stands, as the host nation etches its name in AFCON folklore.

Fairy Tale Script

❤️‍🩹 July 2022, Sébastien Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

❤️ February 2023, Haller beats cancer and then he made a return to football.

🧡💚 February 2024, Haller scores the 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 goal for Ivory Coast in the AFCON final.

Never give up. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8eXgf9NHtn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2024

Ivory Coast’s journey to glory wasn’t without its hurdles.

Despite initial setbacks, including a loss to Nigeria and a crushing defeat by Equatorial Guinea, the Ivorians defied the odds.

Their perseverance led them to qualify as one of the last four third-placed teams, eventually paving the way for their historic triumph.

The striker who delivered the sublime volley late in the match had battled and beaten testicular cancer just 13 months prior

Talk about a fairy tale script unfolding before our eyes!

Broken Records

Ivory Coast’s triumph adds their name to the prestigious list of host nations to have won the AFCON.

Joining the ranks of footballing giants such as Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria,

Ivory Coast’s victory symbolizes the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.

Outstanding Performances

While some stars shone brightly, others faltered under the tournament’s spotlight.

Victor Osimhen, the African Player of the Year, showcased glimpses of brilliance but only managed to score one goal for the Super Eagles.

The Moroccan team, touted as strong contenders, bowed out earlier than expected

further reflecting the unpredictable nature of football.

Awards such as the Golden Boot, clinched by Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea

and Player of the Tournament, awarded to William Troost Ekong of Nigeria

highlighted the individual brilliance witnessed throughout the tournament.

Social Media Banter

It’s your country that wanted to win trophy, we only came here to laugh at Ghana and beat South Africa. We achieved both, we move 🇳🇬
— Trey (@UTDTrey) February 12, 2024