The elephantine triumph

The African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 just ended this Sunday 11 FEBRUARY 2024 with a climax worthy of the greatest action films, the organizing country, the Ivory Coast has just experienced one of the most historic moments for the national football team, only for his people.

The journey of the elephants during this prestigious competition was both exciting, memorable, marked by impressive performances and tense moments with incredible remondata.

Start of the competition

In Group A, the elephants began their journey with determination in the opening match against the Guinea Bissau, a first match against a solid team, au cours duquel ils ont su montrer leur force à l’adversaire en s’imposant une victoire convaincante sur le score de 2 buts à zéro.
Lors de la 2ème journée des matchs de poule, la descente aux enfers commença pour la Côte d’Ivoire qui s’est inclinée face au Nigéria sur un score de 1 but grâce à un magnifique penalty provoqué par le ballon d’or africain Victor Osihmen.
Le doute s’installe au sein des éléphants qui se feront ensuite humilier sur un score fleuve de 4 at 0 par la Guinée Equatoriale devant un public désabusé et en pleurs, the coup du marteau n’aura jamais été aussi violent pour les Ivoiriens, colère et déception se sont emparés du peuple et à ce stade, Ivory Coast missed its Can and left prematurely from a competition it organized 40 years after the first.

In the aftermath of this debacle, head coach Jean Louis Gasset resigns and is replaced by his 2nd assistant Faé emerged in whom no one believed.

Between arithmetic calculations, hope and doubt mixed but destiny had apparently not said its last word. During the last day for the 8th finals, the elephants are admitted as best 3rd after several decisive matches, especially that of Ghana and Mozambique. The final salvation of Côte d’Ivoire will come from Morocco who in their last group match eliminated Zambia.

Ivory Coast then meets the Senegal defending champion and competition favorite.
At the start of the match from the 4th minute, a goal is conceded by the elephants, we had to wait until the 86th minute for the equalizer and then the penalties to decide between them. Ivory Coast emerges victorious from this confrontation by leaving the Senegal of the competition to reach the quarter-finals.

As the competition reached its peak, the Elephants face a tough challenge in the quarter-finals, facing the organized and formidable team of Mali during an intense and unpredictable match.
However, despite the trials, the team was able to maintain its determination, its concentration and cohesion, the Elephants triumphed with a score of 2 at 1 thus securing their well-deserved place in the semi-finals of the Can 2023 against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The semi-final against Congo was perfectly controlled with a score of 1 goal to zero scored in the 65th minute by Sébastien Haller.

Memorable moments before the final.

La CAN 2023 was also marked by memorable moments for the Elephants and their fans, spectacular goals, every victory celebrated with fervor, strengthening the bond between the team and its supporters, exceptional individual performances that illuminated the team’s journey.
Ivorian supporters, fervent and passionate, played a crucial role in loudly supporting their team along the way. Their infectious energy inspired the elephants to give their best in the field.
The 12th was constantly present to galvanize his team with the national anthem : the Abidjanese

The quest for the Title

For the Elephants of Ivory Coast, the CAN 2023 was much more than just a competition, it was an opportunity to make the country shine on the continental and world stage and win the coveted title at home, with each victory and comeback, the team was getting closer to this ultimate goal, motivated by the desire to honor his country and its supporters.

The coronation

The Ivory Coast is African champion for the 3rd time and it is the first time that a sub-Saharan African country has organized a Can and won it at home.
This historic victory, enters the annals of the African Football Confederation as being the best Can in history.

The remarkable journey of the Elephants is a testimony of determination, talent and passion for football.
This Can was as rich in lessons as in the number of goals.

Long live African football.