Gervinho Hails “Extraordinary” Welcome as Ivory Coast Celebrates AFCON Triumph
Fresh from lifting the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast’s national team received a hero’s welcome on their return home, with more than a million jubilant supporters flooding the streets of Abidjan and gathering at the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. Led by President Alassane Ouattara, the nation came together to celebrate its second continental crown, won after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ghana in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
Among those visibly moved by the spontaneous scenes of celebration was star winger Gervinho, who spoke of the overwhelming emotion he felt upon witnessing the scale of the reception.
“Everywhere we passed, every junction, there were crowds jumping and cheering,” Gervinho told Radio France Internationale. “It’s incredible—I’ve never experienced anything like this. I had a similar feeling in Lille after winning the French league, but this… this is on another level. It’s a different world.”
Gervinho, who played a key role throughout the tournament, highlighted the journey the team had undertaken to reach this point. “Winning a trophy for your country is extraordinary. We’ve come a long way—it wasn’t easy. From the beginning, we weren’t seen as favourites. But we showed everyone that Côte d’Ivoire is still a force to be reckoned with.”
Ivory Coast’s 2015 AFCON campaign culminated in a tense final that ended 0-0 after extra time. A marathon penalty shootout followed, with veteran goalkeeper Boubacar Barry emerging as the hero—saving two penalties and converting the decisive spot kick himself to seal a 9-8 shootout victory.
It was a historic triumph for the Elephants, who claimed their first African title since 1992, also against Ghana and again after penalties. For a nation that has long boasted golden generations of talent, the moment was a cathartic one—finally delivering on years of promise.
As the team basked in the adoration of their nation, Gervinho summed up the feeling in the squad: “We gave everything. This win is for our people. We’re proud to bring the trophy home.”
