Initially teetering on the edge of elimination following a substantial 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea, the 2023 AFCON hosts miraculously advanced to the next round.
The Elephants, relying on favourable outcomes in matches involving other nations, anxiously awaited results.
With Namibia’s draw against Mali working in their favour early on, Ivory Coast needed Morocco to defeat Zambia to realize their faint hopes.
In a pivotal moment,, the on-loan Chelsea forward, delivered a 37th-minute strike from a rebound, securing Morocco’s victory over Chipolopolo, consequently propelling Ivory Coast into the next stage.
As the final whistle blew, the country erupted in ecstatic celebration, captured in videos seen by Sports Brief.
Fans of the West African powerhouse flooded the streets, expressing uncontainable joy.
The jubilation, marked by car horns, lively vuvuzela sounds, and the cheers of grateful supporters, portrayed a nation relieved and thankful for the unexpected turn of events that saved them from what seemed like a heartbreaking exit.
Massive celebration in Abidjan!#AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/T5c11sxBGH
— Sports Brief (@sportsbriefcom) January 24, 2024
Wild scenes as Ivorians hit the streets in jubilation.#AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/oN99Bi25jL
— Sports Brief (@sportsbriefcom) January 24, 2024
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s head coach, Jean Louis Gasset, has been sacked after his team’s disappointing loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A tie, Sports Brief reported.
Despite being expected to secure victory on home soil, Gasset’s team faced setbacks, losing two out of three group-stage matches.
In the interim, Emerse Fae is poised to take on the head coaching role if Ivory Coast qualifies for the round of 16.
