Ivory Coast’s national football team clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 title for the third time in its history, following a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final match at the Hassan Wattara Stadium in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan.
The Ivorian team became the ninth national side to secure the championship while hosting the tournament.
Eight other nations have previously won the AFCON title on their home soil amidst fervent support from their fans, notably Egypt, with three titles won in the heart of Cairo in 1959, 1986, and 2006.
Ghana’s national team triumphed twice at home in 1963 and 1978, showcasing their dominance on their own turf.
Six other nations claimed the AFCON trophy on home soil once before, including Tunisia in 2004, Sudan in 1970, and Algeria in 1990, representing the Arab footballing nations.
Ethiopia in 1962, Nigeria in 1980, and South Africa in 1996 also etched their names in history by winning the prestigious continental tournament in front of their home crowd.
Ivory Coast now joins this illustrious list as the ninth national team to secure the AFCON title amidst the fervor of their supporters.
The victory not only marks a historic achievement for Ivory Coast’s footballing legacy but also underscores the passion and dedication of the nation’s football fans, who rallied behind their team throughout the tournament.
With this triumph, Ivory Coast solidifies its status as a football powerhouse on the African continent and adds another chapter to its storied footballing history.
