Football pundit Hany Hathout has lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in a dramatic scenario dubbed “The Return from the Dead”.
Speaking on the program “Al-Match” on Sada El Balad channel, Hathout remarked, “The Africa Cup of Nations concluded with Côte d’Ivoire’s victory.
From the outset of the Round of 16, Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification, being the last team to make it, was seen by many as a resurrection scenario.”
He continued, “Others believed that Nigeria, a robust team that overcame tough challenges in the tournament, would clash with Côte d’Ivoire in the final.”
Analyzing the final match, he noted, “Côte d’Ivoire had to climb a mountain to overcome Nigeria’s solid defense.
Nigeria rightfully took the lead before Côte d’Ivoire turned the tables with goals from Kessie and Haller.”
Reflecting on the coaching prowess, Hathout remarked, “The coach of Côte d’Ivoire embarked on a historic journey in his coaching career.
His team performed significantly better in the second half, rallying under the slogan ‘We will not miss this opportunity.'”
Hathout concluded with praise for Sebastian Haller, who battled testicular cancer, saying, “Haller, who moved from Ajax to Dortmund and then returned to Ajax to regain his form, defied cancer and returned to football.
Although he wasn’t initially a starter in this tournament, he gradually made his mark.”
The victory of Côte d’Ivoire in the AFCON 2023 will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most remarkable achievements in African football history, blending resilience, skill, and the spirit of overcoming adversity.
