The hammer blow stunned Nigeria.
To the lyrics of the CAN hit “Coup de hammer”, hundreds of Ivorians sway along the Boulevard de Strasbourg.
Moroccan flags mix with those of Ivory Coast.
“We are blessed,” proclaims Mamadou before getting carried away by the choreography of the unofficial anthem of CAN 2024, produced by Tam Sir.
In the middle of the speakers, some cry while others share the joy with their families in Ivory Coast.
However, this tournament was far from won for the Elephants.
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On the verge of elimination in the group stage, the Ivorians obtained their salvation thanks to Morocco, winner of Zambia, on the last day, to offer an unexpected best third place to the host country.
“It was hot, but we got picked up thanks to the Moroccans.
Thank God we got there,” breathes Morki, originally from the Abobo Té district, north of Abidjan.
Theater of the final, the Ivorian capital held its breath after the Nigerian opened the score, thanks to a header from captain William Troost-Ekong, in the 38th minute.
In the Co Lounge bar (14th arrondissement of Paris), smoke escapes from the hookahs, but also from Ismaël's head, which can no longer hold still.
“I’m stressed, but I bet on a 2-1 victory,” he hopes.
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