Sebastien Haller scores dramatic goal to secure AFCON victory for Ivory Coast post cancer battle
Sebastien Haller scored the goal that won Ivory Coast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on their own turf less than two years after being diagnosed with, and subsequently overcoming, testicular cancer. The Elephants came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan, securing a victory for rookie manager Emerse Fae which looked highly unlikely when he was appointed midway through the tournament. The Ivorians took the game to Nigeria early on, and Brighton winger Simon Adingra cemented his status as one of the stars of the tournament with an electric display.
Nigeria sat back and accepted having less of the ball during the early exchanges, and they were lucky to avoid falling behind when Max Gradel’s overhead kick hit the side netting. Frustration grew in the Nigerian camp as they struggled to affect the game, with Victor Osimhen erupting at Evan Ndicka for what he felt was a stray elbow, but the Napoli striker was soon to be smiling. The hosts began turning the screw after the break as they sought to make up the deficit in front of their home supporters.
Adingra was once again at the heart of all things dangerous for Ivory Coast, and he crossed in for Gradel to dispatch a seemingly goal-bound shot, only for Calvin Bassey to make a heroic block inside the six-yard box. Then, finally, the Ivorian city of Abidjan and their sea of orange-shirted supporters erupted when Franck Kessie equalised from a corner. And that was merely the precursor for what was to come.
With 10 minutes to play, the standout star of the night, Adingra, danced down the left flank and crossed in for Haller, who delivered the deftest of finishes to spark bedlam on the bench as Ivory Coast knew they were within touching distance of a euphoric victory.
