The Unpredictable Journey to the AFCON 2024 Final
Exploring the surprising finalists and their thrilling paths to the championship match.
Unexpected Finalists: Ivory Coast and Nigeria
In the realm of soccer's international tournaments, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands out for its unpredictability and excitement. The 2024 final features a surprising matchup between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, defying all expectations at the end of the group stage.
Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare (L) fights for the ball with DR Congo's Simon Banza.
Ivory Coast, in particular, has faced a tumultuous journey to the final, including the mid-tournament sacking of their manager due to a disastrous group stage performance. On the other hand, Nigeria is aiming to secure their fourth AFCON title, adding to their legacy in African football.
Troost-Ekong (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot.
The AFCON Final: Where and How to Watch
The highly anticipated AFCON final is set to kick off at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. In case of a draw at full-time, extra time and a potential penalty shootout will follow. Viewers in the US can catch all the action live on beIN Sports USA.
Miraculous Journeys: Ivory Coast and Nigeria's Road to the Final
Ivory Coast's path to the final has been nothing short of miraculous, surviving a challenging group stage and securing dramatic victories in the knockout rounds. The team's resilience and ability to stage comebacks have earned them the nickname 'Zombie Elephants'.
Ivory Coast's supporters celebrate their victory at the end of the match.
Meanwhile, Nigeria overcame their own obstacles, including a tense semifinal matchup against South Africa that ended in a penalty shootout. With both teams hungry for victory, the AFCON final promises to be a thrilling showdown of talent and determination.
