The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire achieved a historic milestone yesterday, becoming the first host nation to qualify for the final in the African Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006.
Their one-nil victory over the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semis has set up an all-West African final against Nigeria on Sunday.
The lone goal of a tense contest in Abidjan arrived in the 65th minute when Haller’s volley bounced down into the ground and over Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Côte d’Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, boasts a prestigious history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), reaching the tournament’s final on four occasions. Let’s delve into each of those instances and how Côte d’Ivoire performed:
- 1992 – Dakar, Senegal: Côte d’Ivoire Clinches Victory
- Opponent: Ghana
- Result: Côte d’Ivoire 0-0 Ghana (11-10 on penalties)
- Highlight: The 1992 final witnessed one of the longest and most dramatic penalty shootouts in AFCON history. Côte d’Ivoire secured their maiden AFCON title in a tense shootout, showcasing both skill and mental resilience.
- 2006 – Cairo, Egypt: Côte d’Ivoire Finishes as Runner-Up
- Opponent: Egypt
- Result: Côte d’Ivoire 0-0 Egypt (2-4 on penalties)
- Highlight: In a closely contested final against host nation Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire fell short in another penalty shootout, missing out on their second title. Despite their resilience, the Elephants couldn’t overcome Egypt in Cairo.
- 2012 – Libreville, Gabon: Heartbreak for Côte d’Ivoire
- Opponent: Zambia
- Result: Côte d’Ivoire 0-0 Zambia (7-8 on penalties)
- Highlight: The 2012 final brought heartbreak for Côte d’Ivoire as they succumbed to Zambia in a dramatic penalty shootout, despite being favorites. The defeat dashed hopes of securing the title with a golden generation featuring Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré.
- 2015 – Bata, Equatorial Guinea: Redemption for Côte d’Ivoire
- Opponent: Ghana
- Result: Côte d’Ivoire 0-0 Ghana (9-8 on penalties)
- Highlight: Côte d’Ivoire secured their second AFCON title in a rematch of the 1992 final against Ghana. Once again, they emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. This triumph was a redemption for the Elephants, especially for the veterans of the 2012 squad, as they finally lifted the coveted trophy.
