The Africa Cup of Nations final didn’t disappoint with the Ivorian national team securing a dramatic win over Nigeria.
This ensured a fairy tale ending to a riveting tournament that saw new standards set and many thrilling matches. The Ivorians overcame a crushing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea to make an incredible comeback and lift the coveted trophy.
The tournament was filled with drama from the start, with shock results leading to the elimination of heavyweight contenders. Cape Verde Islands, one of the smallest countries competing, eliminated Ghana early on and came close to securing a semi-final place. Equatorial Guinea’s unexpected performances also caught the attention of many, with their captain, Emilio Nsue, ending as the tournament’s top scorer.
On the other hand, the tournament saw some of its biggest stars enduring disappointment. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Senegal’s Sadio Mane suffered injuries and early exits, while Morocco failed to live up to their status as pre-tournament favorites.
The colorful spectacle of the Africa Cup of Nations was on full display, with the Ivory Coast successfully changing the perception of the tournament. This was aided by high-quality pitches and good attendance at most matches.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco, with expectations of even better infrastructure. However, there is still no clarity on the timing of the event, leaving many uncertainties about its scheduling.
