Ivory Coast and Nigeria Set Up Classic AFCON Final
Hosts Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria Advance to Title Match
Cote d'Ivoire's Haller Scores Late Winner
Abidjan, Ivory Coast - Hosts Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria have set up a classic final for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after both teams emerged victorious in their respective semi-final matches.
Cote d'Ivoire, who are aiming to win their third AFCON title, came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at the Stade National in Abidjan.
Nigeria took the lead through a well-taken goal from Taiwo Awoniyi, but Cote d'Ivoire hit back in the second half through goals from Ibrahim Sangare and Sebastien Haller. Haller's goal came in the dying minutes of the match and sent the home crowd into raptures.
In the other semi-final, Nigeria overcame a resilient Senegal side 4-2 on penalties. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Nigeria's Kelechi Iheanacho canceling out Senegal's Sadio Mane's opener.
In the penalty shootout, Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the hero, saving two Senegalese spot-kicks. The win sets up a mouthwatering final between hosts Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, two of the most successful teams in African football.
The final will be played on February 19 at the Stade National in Abidjan. Cote d'Ivoire will be aiming to win their third AFCON title, while Nigeria will be aiming to win their fourth.
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