The Last Dance — Afcon Final Preview
This has been the most entertaining Afcon tournament we have ever had. Afcon 2023 has had absolutely everything you would desire from a major tournament. There has been an abundance of drama in the form of red cards, last minute winners and notorious VAR calls. Amongst the drama, there has been a culture of celebration with teams arriving at games singing their native songs. Interest in the tournament has spread worldwide with fans displaying their patriotic roots. We have been privileged to witness the most expressive celebrations, the unpredictability and right now, who wouldn’t be proud to hail as an African. All in all, Ivory Coast have truly delivered as hosts of this great competition.
But there must be a winner. And now, 24 nations have become two, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria will engage in warfare against the host nation, The Elephants, Ivory Coast in Abidjan to be crowned kings of Africa.
In Ekong we Troost
The Super Eagles defeated South Africa in the first semi-final of the day in a dramatic penalty shootout victory. In a game where Nigeria fans experienced the full spectrum of emotions, Nigeria had a poor first half as their play lacked intensity. In the second half Nigeria got more of a foothold on the game and broke the deadlock after Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box after a mazy run. Nigerian Captain, Troost Ekong showed his nerve as he calmly slotted his spot kick under the flailing arms of Quarter final penalty hero and South Africa captain Williams. Nigeria had thought that they had booked their spot in the final after Osimhen converted an Osayi-Samuel cross into an empty net, but cue VAR. With Nigerian fans mid celebration, South Africa were awarded a penalty for a foul earlier in the phase of play. Nigeria fans were in despair and South African fans were in raptures as Mokoena sent Nwabali the wrong way and scored the equaliser in the 90th minute. The game went to extra time with South Africa clearly playing for a penalty shootout, and Nigeria hoping to break the deadlock. The Nigerian coach made big calls such as replacing Osimhen with Moffi 110th minute. But it was Moffi who came closest to sending Nigeria to the final but was hacked down by Kekana who was subsequently given his marching orders as he was shown a red card in the 115th minute.
No gree for Nwabali
The penalty shootout arrived and South Africa were confident given the heroics of their captain in the previous round who saved 4 of the first 5 penalties, a feat that has never been achieved before. However it was Nigerian keeper Stanley Nwabali who had the last laugh on the night as he saved two penalties. Iheanacho scored the winning penalty and sent Nigerian fans all over the world into jubilation
The hosts are one more win away from achieving their dream
An acrobatic finish by Haller was enough to send The Elephants through to this year’s final. This game was maybe a step too far for Congo, who only managed to show glimmers of hope throughout the game. Ivory Coast came close in the first half as Kessie hit the post with a firm strike. In the second half Ivory Coast broke the deadlock after good wing work by veteran Max Gradel led to an acrobatic Haller finish as the shot into the ground went agonisingly beyond the reach of Congolese goalkeeper Mpasi. After the goal, Ivory Coast had more attempts to put the game to bed, but failed to extend their lead. The Ivorians seem to have recovered from their earlier tournament form and seem to have found a rhythm and starting 11 that works for them.
The Elephants vs the Super Eagles - part 2
This year’s Afcon final has already been played at this year’s tournament. Thanks to a Troost Ekong penalty, Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 1–0 in the group stages. In fact The Elephants only narrowly qualified for the round of 16 stage as one of the 4 best 3rd place finishers. Since then, Ivory Coast have had a rollercoaster tournament, beating Senegal on penalties and miraculously scoring a goal in the last minute of both normal and extra time to beat Mali in the quarter finals. The Semi final against Congo was a much easier game for the Ivorians and backed by their home support, they will be confident of lifting the trophy this Sunday.
‘The innit boys’
This will be Nigeria’s first Afcon final since 2013. The Super Eagles have underperformed and have been labelled a sleeping giant for a while. Nobody expected Nigeria to reach the final, but Nigeria have built their success on their defensive stability. Jose Peseiro back 5 system has enabled Nigeria to always be within a chance of winning their games. Nigeria has kept 4 clean sheets and conceded only 2 goals at this year’s tournament. Nigeria and their ‘innit boys’ will be hopeful of bringing the crown home as they know that at stake is the potential to be etched into Nigerian history..
Key matchups in Sunday’s battle
Ivory Coast vs Nigeria will bring many interesting match ups. Osimhen will line up against Ndicka. Haller will go toe to toe with Ekong. Frank Onyeka will contend with Frank Kessie. What’s most interesting is the system that both teams adopt. Nigeria’s back 5 has often come at the expense of their midfield looking empty at times, and Ivory Coast really struggled to break down Nigeria’s defence in their 1–0 defeat in the group stages. I believe these will be the key factors that determine Sunday’s victor. If Nigeria go ahead, I struggle to see Ivory Coast getting an equaliser. However, Ivory could easily overwhelm Nigeria’s midfield and became victorious by winning the midfield battle.
Who will come out victorious?
It’s difficult to ascertain who the favourites are. Before the tournament, you would have said Ivory Coast. After the group stages, you would have said Nigeria. Right now, with match winners on both sides, it’s a pretty even match up. As a Nigerian I am fearful of the threat of Frank Kessie. And I am sure that Ivorians are fearful of the threat Victor Osimhen poses. Ultimately as a Nigerian myself, I believe we can do it.
Even though this tournament has shown us the futility in attempting to predict a result, I predict a 1–1 draw after extra time and for Nigeria to win this year’s Afcon in dramatic fashion via a penalty shootout.
An Afcon for the ages
As this year’s tournament concludes this Sunday, regardless of who is crowned the winner, Africa as a whole has won. A tournament so often overlooked and seen as a hindrance has proven to be a tournament that has provided pathways and insight into the beauty of African football. The neutral fan has definitely been entertained, and we can’t wait for the next one. But first, war must commence this Sunday. 24 teams have become two, and there must be a winner. So who do you think will be crowned kings of Africa this Sunday?
