Ivory Coast has been honored as the Best Men’s National Team of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards, following their remarkable triumph at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year.
The Elephants claimed the prestigious accolade during a glittering ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Ivorian side captured the hearts of football fans across the continent with their inspiring journey to victory on home soil.
Despite a challenging start in the tournament’s group stage, where their hopes hung by a thread, the Elephants staged a dramatic turnaround.
A critical victory by Morocco in another group match secured Ivory Coast’s progression to the knockout stages, where they displayed resilience and determination to overcome every opponent on their path to glory.
Their crowning moment came in a thrilling final that underscored their prowess and unity as a team.
Lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil not only cemented their place in African football history but also ignited celebrations across the nation.
Receiving the award on behalf of the team, Yacine Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation, expressed his gratitude and highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the achievement possible.
We are deeply honored to receive this recognition.
It represents the hard work and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and everyone who supported us throughout this journey,” Diallo said during the ceremony.
Diallo also took a moment to acknowledge Morocco’s contribution to the tournament.
We salute Morocco for its outstanding organization and sportsmanship during the competition.
Their efforts exemplify the spirit of African football,” he remarked.
Ivory Coast’s AFCON victory has rejuvenated football enthusiasm in the country and set a benchmark for national teams aiming to excel on the continental stage.
The Elephants’ success is a testament to their ability to overcome adversity, adapt to challenges, and perform under pressure.
The 2024 CAF Awards celebrated excellence across African football, spotlighting players, teams, and organizations that have excelled throughout the year.
For Ivory Coast, this recognition not only celebrates their past success but also serves as an inspiration for future campaigns as they aim to build on their newfound momentum.
As the Elephants bask in their glory, their achievement is a source of pride for a nation and a reminder of the transformative power of sport in uniting communities and inspiring generations.