AFCON 2023: Ivorians in Paris grateful to Morocco

The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire are African champions for the third time. The Ivorian team won the title on Sunday, after a 2-1 victory over Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. On Boulevard de Strasbourg in Paris, hundreds of Ivorian supporters, Moroccan and Ivorian flags in hand, expressed their joy after this historic victory. "We are blessed," said an Ivorian supporter to the newspaper Le Parisien.

The Elephants came a long way. Virtually eliminated in the group stage, they were just barely saved by Morocco, who won their match against Zambia (1-0) on the last day. "It was hot, but we were picked up thanks to the Moroccans. Thank God, we made it," rejoices an Ivorian supporter. "It’s thanks to Morocco that we are champions. Next year, we’ll win it in Morocco, it’s our second home," affirms another. And another adds: "We will always be grateful to Morocco."

The Ivorian supporters in Paris followed the final with a lot of stress, especially after Nigeria’s opening goal in the 38th minute. "I’m stressed, but I bet on a 2-1 victory," predicted Ismaël. After the first half, the Ivorian supporters remained optimistic. The Ivorian equalizer eventually came in the 68th minute, a goal scored by Franck Kessié after a pass from Simon Adingra. The second Ivorian goal was scored by Sébastien Haller in the 80th minute.