Hall in day’s work for ivory coast
FORMER West Ham striker Sebastien Haller fired Ivory Coast to their third Africa Cup of Nations title.
Haller got a near-post flick-on to grab the winner in 81 minutes and spark joyous scenes among the 60,000 crowd at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
It was a fine finish from the Borussia Dortmund star, who recovered from testicular cancer to resume his football career.
The hosts had enjoyed a miraculous run to the final against Nigeria, having qualified for the knockouts as one of the best thirdplace teams. Their performances in the group stages led to the shock sacking of boss Jean-Louis Gasset.
But it turned out to be an inspired move. After knocking out holders Senegal, Ivory Coast then claimed a last-minute win over Mali in the quarterfinals before squeezing past DR Congo in the semis.
While Nigeria started yesterday’s clash as favourites, their hosts were on top for much of the early stages.
But they were hit with a sucker punch seven minutes before the break.
The Ivory Coast defence failed to deal with a corner, allowing Nigeria skipper Troost-Ekong to power home the game’s first goal.
After the break Ivory Coast continued to press and former Rangers defender Calvin Bassey was forced to make a brilliant goal-line block from Max Gradel’s shot.
On the hour, Ivory Coast again came agonisingly close but Franck Kessie’s header lacked the power to beat Stanley Nwabili.
But Kessie made up for that moments later when he was left free at the back post to head the equaliser.
And with just under 10 minutes left strike Haller flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations.