Infinite game, this term is often interpreted as a long-term game where a team is required to process better for the best results. In this case, the team that will survive until the end of the game will emerge as the winner. And the Ivory Coast team just played this game.
Infinite game, Ivory Coast just played this game. A game that is summarized in a story full of surprises and heart-pounding throughout their journey until they finally emerge as champions of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Yes, the Ivory Coast team has just confirmed themselves as winners of the 2023 African Cup of Nations after winning 2-1 over Nigeria in the final match at the Alassane Ouattara stadium, Abidjan on Monday, February 12 2024.
Two comeback goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Heller ensured the Elephants’ victory and made Nigeria’s lead through William Troost Ekong over the previous hour in vain.
Like a plot twist, no one expected that Ivory Coast would present a surprise at the end of the story. Especially considering their journey has been full of drama since the start of the tournament.
Ivory Coast players celebrate the winning goal over Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. Yes, the Ivory Coast story is an unexpected story. The team, which was initially commanded by Jean Louis Gasset, was almost eliminated in the initial phase.
After winning over Guienia Bissau in the first match, Franck Kessie and his friends lost 0-1 to Nigeria and were slaughtered 0-4 by Guienia Equatorial. This disappointing result puts The Elephants on the edge and in danger of qualifying from the group phase. However, the goddess Fortune was still on their side.
Ivory Coast qualified for the second round with the status of one of the four best third places. And this is where their story of surprises begins. The first surprise was the dismissal of manager Gasset in the middle of preparations for the knockout rounds. Emerse Fae’s name then rose as interim coach.
Unexpectedly, the following stories from Ivory Coast continued with stories full of luck. They progressed smoothly in the following phases even though they had to face difficult battles. Yes, Ivory Coast’s lucky story began when they eliminated defending champion Senegal in the round of 16.
Franck Kessie’s penalty saved Ivory Coast from defeat after falling behind from the fourth minute to Habib Diallo’s goal and forcing the match to end in a penalty shootout. And the match ended with a 5-4 win for Ivory Coast.
Luck was with The Elephants again when they faced Mali in the next round. Nene Dorgeles’ goal in the 71st minute almost wiped out Franck Kessie and his friends’ dream of winning. But who would have thought, Simon Adingra emerged as the savior with his goal towards the end of the match. And the match had to continue with extra rounds.
It was not easy for Emerse Fae’s team to go through this round, especially since they lost the number of players following the red card received by Odillon Kossounou in the first half.
But, basically the goddess Fortune is on their side. Substitute Oumar Diakite emerged as the hero in the 120+2 minute which changed the score to 2-1 for Ivory Coast and ensured their progress to the semi-finals.
Facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals, The Elephants appeared confident. Sebastien Heller then emerged as a hero with his single goal in the 65th minute which sent his team through to the final round.
Facing the final match when they met Nigeria for the second time, Ivory Coast appeared confident. They have forgotten the 0-1 defeat in the group stage. Statistics show that Ivory Coast dominated the match and created more chances.
However, a header from Nigerian player, William Troost Ekong, in the 38th minute was quite worrying. Luckily Ivory Coast has been tested in the previous phases. Franck Kessie’s header in the 62nd minute made the score equal at 1-1.
And the highlight, Sebastian Haller’s right foot touch from inside the penalty box in the 81st minute ensured that Ivory Coast emerged victorious and won their third trophy in this football tournament between African countries. Ivory Coast has taught us that to be a winner requires strong mental resilience.
Especially when faced with impossible situations. A challenge to turn even the smallest opportunity into a real advantage.
ASL
