Sebastien Haller nets winner to help Ivory Coast lift Africa Cup of Nations title

Ivory Coast were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions on Sunday evening as Sebastien Haller's winning goal helped them earn a stunning come from behind 2-1 win over Nigeria in the final.

Sebastien Haller capped off a memorable Africa Cup of Nations campaign by scoring the winning goal for Ivory Coast in their final against Nigeria on Sunday. The Borussia Dortmund striker turned home Simon Adingra’s cross in the 81st minute to help Ivory Coast beat Nigeria 2-1 and win the AFCON for the first time since 2015.

Haller, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer just 18 months ago, inspired his team's comeback after Nigeria had taken the lead in the 38th minute thorugh William Troost-Ekong. Franck Kessie headed home the equaliser in the 62nd minute, before Haller stepped up and completed the comeback for Ivory Coast.

The goal was Haller's second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with his first being the winner in Ivory Coast's semifinal clash against DR Congo. The 29 year old was forced to miss the group stage due to an injury he suffered while playing for Borussia Dortmund in December, but returned in time to spark a turnaround in fortunes for his national team.

It has been a difficult season so far for Sebastien Haller, who has found playing time hard to come by at Borussia Dortmund. He will now hope to use his performances for his national team as a catalyst for more playing time with the Black and Yellows in the coming weeks.