This is undoubtedly one of the best stories of this competition.
A year ago, Sébastien Haller beat his cancer in February 2023, and returned to the field after 6 long months of absence.
Almost a year exactly later, it was he who scored the winning goal in the final against Nigeria, and who offered happiness to an entire people.
After the match, the Ivorian striker collapsed at the microphone of beIN Sports, when the legend Basile Boli reminded him of his journey.
“It feels good to finally be rewarded”
he begins to say, before bursting into tears alongside the former Marseille player.
To discover
African Cup of Nations: schedule and results
African Cup of Nations ranking
Arriving injured, Haller did not start the competition as a starter with Jean-Louis Gasset.
But he was one of those who took advantage of his departure and the appointment of Emerse Faé.
He began his tournament in the round of 16 against the Senegalese title holder, then gained playing time by being decisive against Mali.
Finally, he finished the CAN at the forefront of the Ivorian attack and left his mark on the competition.
The Dortmund striker also scored the only goal of the semi-final against DR Congo, and even managed to crack the great Basile Boli, hats off!