The Ivorians, recently crowned champions of Africa, did not fail to thank Morocco and showcased heartwarming scenes of brotherhood for allowing the Elephants to advance to the second round and ultimately lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) on Sunday against Nigeria, 2-1.
Many Ivorian players and supporters expressed deep gratitude towards the Atlas Lions and attributed this victory to Morocco’s win in the match against Zambia (1-0), thereby enabling Ivory Coast to continue in the tournament, qualifying among the best third-placed teams.
At the moment of celebrating the title, many supporters and players of the Ivorian national team paid tribute to Morocco, the host country of the 2025 AFCON, for giving the Elephants a second chance when they were on the brink of elimination.
The screens in the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé displayed Moroccan flags in honor of the country as the host country of the 2025 AFCON, eliciting widespread cheers and applause from the crowd.
The captain of the Elephants, Max-Alain Gradel, also paraded in front of the stands with a Moroccan flag in his hand, before displaying it again shortly before the trophy was presented.
Amid the celebrations, President of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa received the official AFCON flag from Cote D’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara.