Abidjan — Cote d’Ivoire secured a remarkable TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title victory, overcoming a deficit to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling final on Sunday.

The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, filled to capacity, provided the ideal backdrop for the Elephants to secure their third African title in front of their passionate supporters, who spurred them on to a come-from-behind victory.

Despite a first-half goal by William Ekong setting up the Super Eagles for a potential fourth title, Franck Kessie’s equalizer and a late strike by the remarkable Sebastian Haller secured Africa’s most prestigious title for Cote d’Ivoire.

Haller, who triumphantly recovered from cancer last year, emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal that completed the elephants’ sensational comeback.

The hosts initially faced adversity after William Troost-Ekong’s first-half opener for Nigeria in Abidjan.

[7:58 a.m., 2024-02-12] Atangason: However, Frank Kessie quickly leveled the score after the break, and Haller, amidst ecstatic scenes, fired the late winner.

Backed by the enthusiastic crowd, the hosts dominated the game from the opening whistle, while Nigeria opted for a counter-attacking strategy.

Danger-man Haller posed the first significant threat, nearly securing an early lead from a well-taken cross by Simon Adingra, but his stretched-out leg fell short.

Veteran attacker Max Gradel showcased improvisation with an unexpected acrobatic strike in the 20th minute, catching the entire defense off guard, although his effort hit the side netting.

The Elephants’ momentum faced a setback just before the break, as a lapse in concentration allowed Super Eagles skipper Ekong to rise above his markers and head home the opener.

Returning from the recess, despite being a goal down, the Elephants maintained their attacking momentum against a resilient Nigerian defense.

On the hour mark, a powerful strike from Kouakou Kossounou threatened the bottom corner but was parried to safety by Nwabali.

From the resulting corner, a delivery from Adingra connected with Frank Kessie, who leveled matters with a header.

Buoyed by the roaring crowd, the Elephants pressed forward, with Adingra causing trouble for the Super Eagles defense. The 22-year-old dribbled past Zaidu Sanusi to send a cross that set up Haller for the crucial lead in the 81st minute.

With victory in sight, the Elephants held on for the historic triumph, claiming the highest seat of continental football as champions of Africa.

This victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Cote d’Ivoire, who almost faced elimination in the group stages after a disastrous 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. Interim boss Emerse Fae inspired a spirited comeback, and this resilient collective spirit shone through again as they recovered from Troost-Ekong’s opener.

Sealing the win amid emotional scenes in Abidjan, Haller’s goal secured a historic comeback, and eight years after their last title, Cote d’Ivoire once again reign as kings of Africa.