Sebastian Kehl hails Sebastien Haller after Africa Cup of Nations triumph

Sebastian Kehl lauded Sebastien Haller after the striker led Ivory Coast to victory in their Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria on Sunday.

Sebastien Haller scored the winning goal for Ivory Coast as they claimed a 2-1 win over Nigeria on Sunday evening to win the Africa Cup of Nations title. The goal, Haller's second of the competition, led Ivory Coast to their first AFCON title since 2015.

Ivory Coast enjoyed an incredible turnaround at the tournament after a disappointing group stage run saw them barely make it to the round of 16. Haller was forced to miss the group stage due to an ankle injury that he suffered while playing for Borussia Dortmund in December. But he returned during the knockout stage and spearheaded their charge for the AFCON title.

Sebastian Kehl said that Borussia Dortmund are delighted for Haller and the entire Ivory Coast team. The BVB sporting director added that winning the Africa Cup of Nations is a great achievement for the striker. "Even though Seb traveled to the tournament with an injury, he was able to prove his value to his team in an extremely impressive manner. We are delighted for him and his entire team," Kehl told BILD.

Sebastien Haller will now return to Borussia Dortmund, where he will hope to win back his place in the starting XI after a disappointing first half of the season. The 29 year old has scored two goals in 14 appearances for the Black and Yellows so far this season, and turned down a move to Fulham in the January transfer window.